Track apprentice Review

My role is a Track Technician apprentice where I am assigned to a gang and we go out on a daily/nightly basis and test and check the state of the track and if there any problems or issues we will rectify them.

I have learnt both new and old skills, an example of a new skill is how to measure the gauge of the track and look for any faults that need correcting. An example of an existing skill is re-learning algebra and formulas.

I enjoyed the programme over all, it isn't easy been away from home the first few months you are at Westwood but the staff there are brilliant and you know it will be worth it at the end of the apprenticeship scheme.

I found the programme to be very organised and if anything was changed you where immediately notified and the staff where always more than happy to help with any questions you had about the programme.

I have found my employer to be very supportive, they offer 12 week reviews and when you need to get your assignments done they allow you the time to complete them. They are also helpful in answering any questions that you may have.

The Babcock team would always be on hand to offer any support or extra assistance you needed, extra classes would be put on if you needed extra hours to learn anything you was unsure of.

They offer you the first initial steps that you need when you are about to begin a career in the rail engineering business. They get you started with all the theory and hands on experience including the Health and safety aspects of the job.

While you are at the Westwood training centre there is a wide range of activities that are on offer such as a gym, swimming pool and sports hall. There are also social activities that are on weekly such as a quiz and other team based games.

Yes

Because it offers you a chance to forge an exiting and very rewarding career in the rail industry. You are given all the relevant training you are needed to progress with the NVQ while also earning a good wage at the same time.

Don't be put off by thinking if you are too old you can't apply, the Network Rail apprenticeship scheme has no age limit and I was 34 when I started the apprenticeship and can 100% say I have made the correct decision to better myself for my career.