Electrification and Plant Apprentice Review

I am an Electrification and Plant Apprentice in my first year, The whole first year is academic based where I have been working towards a level 3 BTEC and an NVQ in engineering. My days are mostly based in classrooms or workshops building my skills up. Next year I move out to a depot to start a more practical programme.

I had no engineering background so everything is new, but the course is designed to train you from scratch so this hasn't been a problem.

I have loved my time here, Network Rail are a great company who seem very committed to their staff, It's hard work but if you are prepared to put in the effort you will get a lot of rewards.

I have found Network Rail a great company to work for, they have high expectations but give you lots of support to achieve them.

Most of the time it's been very good, we've had a few problems but on the whole we've worked through them.

I have found my instructors to be knowledgeable and supportive. always happy to sit down with you and go through work if you are struggling.

Network rail have been very supportive towards me, as a mature apprentice I have different issues to many of the apprentices and have been assisted whenever I've asked.

Not the greatest wage but good compared to many apprenticeships, It's certainly enough to live on. Especialy in the first stage as all accommodation and food is paid for.

There are 200 of us on site and in the accommodation , my social life hasn't been this good for years. There is always something to do if you look for it.

Yes

At 39 years old I was amazed to be offered this opportunity and have been treated the same as any other apprentice. If Network Rail like you then they are prepared to invest in you. They have given me an opportunity to retrain that I never thought I'd get and for that I will always be grateful.

Go for it, but be prepared to work hard. You only get out what you put into this course, also the pay at the end is nice too.