RfLI Maintenance Apprentice Review

by Transport for London

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

3.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

The goal is to become a Rail Engineering Technician specialising in track, signalling or electrification. I am relatively new to the role but progression has been slow: quite often I find myself with nothing to do. Occasionally we shadow technicians on our placement.

3/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Getting my PTS was very useful, and I’ve learned a lot about the industry through being around technicians and from GAC visits. However, I don’t think I’ve gained any new practical skills yet.

3/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I do like the people I work with, and I enjoy observing what I can about rail. However, I don’t enjoy days where there is nothing for me to do or learn.

4/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is relatively new, and our branch of the organisation has unique challenges brought along by Crossrail delays. Securing placements has been difficult, and we have been sent to different areas of TfL. It seems like every step of the way has been tumultuous.

1/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I do feel well supported in terms of health and well-being. In terms of my role, however, my manager works across town from us and is not always easy to contact. Within our current placement it is difficult to access support, and it is unclear who our superior is.

6/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Our college is very poor. Tutors are agency staff and usually incompetent, and our training is very disorganised.

1/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Our training thus far hasn’t been very useful in terms of my role.

1/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are a wide range of activities, societies and networking opportunities available, particularly for graduates and apprentices. I particularly enjoy the visits arranged for us to tour different areas of the company.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Transport for London to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Although my program is less than satisfactory, the majority of programs available for apprentices are fantastic opportunities. I plan to persevere with my apprenticeship and grasp any opportunity I can because TfL is a great company to work for. I hope to gain the skills to secure a good position.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Transport for London?

Be yourself, learn as much as you can about the industry and the place you’d like to occupy within it, and don’t be afraid to apply. You never know how far you’ll go.