Apprentice engineer Review

My role differs on a day to day basis, on some days I can perform exam tasks on rolling stock, and on others I can be investigating and fixing defects. I also get involved in the heavy maintenance side of the job by refitting gangway doors, bogies and intermediate couplers etc.

During my time at Southeastern both at college and at the depot I have learnt a number of new skills such as: fault investigation techniques such as the half-split method and the 6 point technique, how to perform basic electrical tests such as continuity tests and insulation tests and how to torque load bolts and fasteners up to the required torque.

My entire apprenticeship has been very enjoyable I have enjoyed coming to work everyday to expand my knowledge on the many systems on a train. My team at the depot have welcomed me with open arms and provided me with a lot of extra knowledge that has helped me become a better engineer.

My programme at southeastern is very well structured. In my first couple of weeks with the company I was given site inductions at all of the main depots that I was expected to work in. During the first year at college I was given support by my line manager who held regular support meetings to check on my progress.

At Southeastern I recieve a lot of help from the competency management team. I am always meeting up with my line manager to discuss how I am getting on with the numerous qualifications that I am working towards, so this encourages me to work harder so that I can show my employer some real progress from meeting to meeting.

NTAR have provided me with plenty of support for my competence qualification, I have regular reviews with them where I set myself targets to achieve in the following 3 month period. My portfolio work is always marked in good time and the feedback I receive is always positive and helps me to expand my knowledge on the trains systems.

My competence qualfication allows me to sharpen the skills that I use everyday for work by highlighting the exact processes I should be following on a day to day basis. I did 2 units at the NTAR depot and feel that these units have expanded my knowledge on certain train systems which has helped me when fault finding.

During my time at Southeastern I have participated in a number of extra curricular events such as: Ramsgate depot open day; I volunteered my time to be a steward at the ramsgate depot open day, I spent the entire day inside a train cab and allowed adults and children to sit in the drivers seat whilst I explained to them how the trains work. Apprenticeship graduation- I spoke to a number of employers about the benefits of apprenticeships at the graduation ceremony at Rochester cathedral.

Yes

Southeastern is a good company to work for because they offer a good rate of pay, good support from management and there is plenty of career progression opportunities within the company. If you show a willingness to learn then southeastern will back you by financing higher education courses etc.

I would recommend that anybody applying for the role of apprentice engineer should do a few days work experience before applying for the role. This way you will know if the job if for you or not. I would also suggest that you do not rush the application form as the questions need to carefully answered to give the recruiters a chance to know the real you.