Level 3 Technician Apprentice Review

Apprentice Technician, this involves going out and shadowing on the track with Operatives and gaining valuable insight and experience as well as gaining the academic qualifications necessary to become a technician. Placements in multiple disciples on the railway give you valuable knowledge and enable you to make an informed decision of what you want to do next.

Yes, on this apprenticeship I believe I have developed many new skills. Working in a team on a daily basis has improved my teamwork, communication and helped me grow within my role. The opportunity to lead various jobs has also given me good leadership skills necessary for the next stages of my career.

I enjoy the programme a lot. Within the first 21 weeks training at Network Rails ‘Westwood’ facility in Coventry with 200 other apprentices is a great experience. A perfect mixture of working life with a University feel. The remainder of the 3 years working within your depot is also extremely rewarding and enjoyable.

I believe the programme is well structured. You spend the first 21 weeks within Network Rails ‘Westwood’ facility conducting academic training and earning your Level 3 and NVQ qualifications. The remainder of the programme is spent at depot conducting daily work, doing task books and gaining other railway qualifications you will need.

You receive great support from Network Rail within the scheme. Your Apprentice Development Facilitators and Apprentice Development Coordinators are on hand to help with any issues and conduct 12 weekly reviews to ensure you are doing well within the apprentiship and everything is going accordingly. There are also internal support systems within Network Rail that help you with various needs.

You receive a lot of support from your training provider. You spend the first 21 weeks within Network Rails ‘Westwood’ facility conducting academic training and earning your Level 3 and NVQ qualifications. The Babcock trainers are on hand to deal with any needs and offer any support with assignments or work related issues.

The qualification is diverse and well suited to various roles within the rail industry. It is a great starting block for a career in the Railway and helps you perform better in your role. You get put on various courses in addition to your qualification by management to further your skills and help you within your role.

Within the first 21 weeks at Westwood, there were many extra curricular activities to do. Within the gym and leisure facility there were an array of sporting and fitness events to participate in, as well as a full gym facility and swimming pool. There was also a great social element, with a bar on site. I also got the opportunity to conduct charity work during a working day, which was a rewarding experience.

Yes

Great company, and a job for life with endless opportunities for progression. Always willing to push employees and support them in every way. There are qualifications available to workers to further there role and push up within the company. There are also numerous systems in place within the company to support workers wherever and whenever possible.

Be as confident as possible and put yourself out there. There are endless opportunities if you take them. Enjoy your time spent training, as this is a fun and rewarding experience. Always put your hand up when new opportunities arise, gain further qualifications and make the most of this fantastic scheme.