Apprentice Review

I shadow different teams within my depot learning what they do how they do it and why they do it. It helps me to enhance my skills to put my new competences to use once I am signed off and qualified. I also get to know the local are and the zone we work in.

I have learnt a lot about how to time keep and use new forms of IT Software in order to make my work life easier I have also learnt how to calculate stressing temperatures and railway specific skills. I have developed more confidence when meeting new people which has enabled me to bond well with my team.

I am really enjoying the programme, however the work is not very well spread across the 3 years of the apprenticeship there is much room for improvement and I think certain things need to be re done. Life in the depot is good fun and a good experience however I feel we should be paid more for what we are expected to do.

The programme is not very organised at all. There is always changes being made and delays happening due to unorganised training. In Gosport our trainer never knows who will be teaching us next due to staff shortages. In Westwood nobody ever knew what was going on and when I arrived at depot they was not even expecting me.

Although I personally receive enough support from my employer I feel that some people on my cohort would not be satisfied with the level of support if they were in my position. At the depot they expect you to know what your doing and just get stuck in rather than guide you through it.

My tutor is amazing and everything he has taught has been very helpful. He is quick straight to the point and however still very informative. however Babcock during Westwood were awful and they did not help at all. Most of them were rude and did not want to be there.

Not at all. The qualification has nothing to do with the job I am applying for and should not be necessary its just seen as a bypass ticket to a grade 2 pay rather the grade 1. Not once have I used any of my qualifications I have gained in order to excel in my work.

Not that I am aware of. I know there is a cycle to work but that's not exactly an activity its more of a health kick. I have not seen any sport groups or team bonding activities being advertised probably due to the fact the railway is always busy.

Yes

Because its a good career to have and its good pay. Other than that its not very much better than any other company its lazy and un-motivated. however I enjoy what I do within the company and have met some really good people which I have enjoyed getting to know.

Don't listen to the tutors telling you to get your work done and get signed off early as you cant. You still have the awful pay for 3 years so don't rush it. Make sure its done. Make sure its perfect and just enjoy yourself. Don't be offended by people having a joke. Its what keeps the track lads going.