Railway Signalling Design Engineering Apprentice Review

As an apprentice, I am exposed to different job roles within my job title within the Business. Currently I am working in the Design Office and am responsible for updating original design plans with changes. I use the prepped changed design that have been issued to do this. I also go on site visits to view the signage and then update standards regarding them on their dimensions and use.

So far I have gained new skills and knowledge in Maintenance, the up keeping of existing assets and installation of new on track. Furthermore I have gained an insight into assurance knowledge and learning the different variable which go in to launching new assets and design ideas. Also, there are various other miscellaneous training courses I have been on to further my portfolio such first aid training, Licensed Ambassador and many others.

So far I enjoy my programme, as it allows me to work full time and to gain experience as well as network with colleagues. furthermore, I attended College 1 day a week in my first 2 years studying Level 3 Engineering, which then allowed me to learn the theory behind my job role. Essentially, I am fusing both Theory and Practical in my apprenticeship. This gives a much more wholesome understanding of everything when partnered with the practical aspects of my apprenticeship.

There is well structured hierarchy in the apprenticeship scheme among the apprentices and managers and scheme sponsors. So it is clear who we can contact in case of any issues or enquiries. Furthermore it was shown to us the wide variety of roles available to us coming towards the end our apprenticeship.

Support is heavily available to the apprentices as mentioned before about the hierarchy. Furthermore there are multiple avenues for different kinds of support so it is helpful as we don't rely on one source. This includes our sponsors, placement managers, placement colleagues and our mentors. Furthermore, there are many training courses available through an easy to use portal on the company intranet.

In our scheme as we attend College part time it is less intense than full time, therefore it is essential that we keep up to date with it. The company allows us to take a study day when needed for our studies and deadlines. The managers are very understanding towards our qualifications and Coursework dates.

It ensures us that we have extra responsibility as well as our day to day work. Furthermore it fuses both theory and practical there by helping us to gain a better understanding the role overall. We also go through end point assessment with the IET, this then basically becomes our starting step to becoming chartered engineers after we finish out apprenticeship.

There are numerous amount of activities one can get involved in, now and again there are TFL sponsored marathons and cycling events. There are also football teams created by colleagues to go to after work. As part of the apprentice scheme we have frequent meet-ups across the different sectors after work hours, it allows us the chance to network with apprentices across the years. There are also many events we are encouraged to volunteer for.

Yes

Transport for London prides itself on its employees and especially its apprentices as we are deemed as a valuable asset and investment to them. We are very welcomed by many different teams we work with and are given invaluable experience with the different teams. Alongside this, it offers a young person valuable experience as well as being able to pursue education free of debt as well as give the ability to have a starting step to charter ship without requiring university. The ability to purse higher education is also given to those who show great potential and meet requirements.

Ensure you have a passion for railway before applying At first, the lingo within the office may seem confusing but employees are than willing to teach you it (Handy to make a note of it though) Employees are more than willing to help you out with any things you don't understand. No question is a bad question and take in all information where possible as this can be invaluable when working on future projects.