Engineering apprentice Review

During the first and second years of the apprenticeship, I was sent to college part time for a BTEC level 3 in electrical and electronic engineering and NVQ level 2 in performing engineering operations. The rest of the time was spent at the depot working with technicians on maintaining our fleets of trains. During these years I also completed placements in the stores at our depot and with the technicians at another depot. Currently I am in my third year where I am studying part time at college for a HNC in electrical and electronic engineering and working shifts at the depot.

I have learnt about the different systems of the trains and how to fault find. I am also more confident with speaking to people and more confident with my practical hands-on skills.

I am enjoying my apprenticeship and am very thankful for the opportunities it has given me such as gaining more qualifications, skills and knowledge.

I feel I am treated very well within my company and have been given plenty of opportunities to get involved with projects and also external events.

I feel like the programme could be better organized, I would have liked to have done more training courses than I have done at this point in my apprenticeship.

My training provider has been very understanding with problems I have faced and has tried to help me work through them. However, I do feel it would be more helpful to have someone to talk to at the depot instead of having to email other people and wait for replies.

I receive a lot of support from my managers regarding my studying and how they can help me. Every time I speak to them about a problem, I do feel a lot better coming out of the meeting.

My salary is very good considering my position as an apprentice and I get the opportunity to get a pay rise every year depending on whether I've met certain targets.

I represent the business very often through volunteering and company events. I have done a lot of careers fairs, science fairs and company events - including representing engineering apprentices at a meeting at the House of Commons.

Yes

I already have recommended my company to my friends as I feel like it is a fantastic company to work for and you get plenty of opportunities and you are valued very much.

Be open to all the opportunities you are given and value all relationships within the company as you could need their help one day with a project.