Apprentice Technician (year 3) Review

by Network Rail

Rating

6.7/10

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

Complete placements with each of the maintennace departments. Mainly with overhead line because this is my designated discipline. I act as a plus one to the team, therefore I am not vital to the maintenance work however if I have the correct competencies I can complete activities. As part of the apprenticeship I have to complete Work Based Learning Objectives which are 2500 word essays based on the work and activities I will observe and take part in during my placements.

8/10

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

My organisation skills have developed because you have to be organised with your reports and planning of placements. My communication skills have been developed because you have to work with a lot of people.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

As the programme has gone on I have started to enjoy it more because I have compeleted training with allows me to do work like go up in the basket and work on the OLE (overhead line equipment) and sign off OLE inspection patrols. By being able to complete work it makes you feel more part of a team and makes you feel more valued.

7/10

4. How valued do you feel by Network Rail?

I feel I have had a good amount of support from the people around me which makes me feel valued. Other apprentices at the depot in the past have gone on to be successful in full time roles. This shows that the depot values apprentices and sees them as the future of Network Rail.

9/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Some things like training could be organised better. One of my courses was cancled due to a compulsary course for others which created issues.

7/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

None at all unless you ask. If I was to ask i'm confident the support would be good.

8/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

If I need support I am confident I would get it if I asked.

7/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

Personally I do not have many costs, therefore my salary is substantial for me. However from anothers point of view I can see the salary being a problem if you pay rent e.g. Someone who doesn't have the training that I am given can start in a operatives role which earns 50% more than I do at the moment. So for some it may be better for them to start there. As an apprentice you have to wait 3 years until you can get on the full wage and in less than that time you can get the full wage in less than 2 years just applying for the job straight away. However the apprenticeship will give you a better chance

1/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

Not that I know of

5/10

9. Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Network Rail is a good company to work for with good employee benefits and salary. I've been told it is a job for life and I know that it is a very secure career.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?

Show that you want to learn