S+T Apprentice Review

by Network Rail

Rating

5/10

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

Signalling technician apprentice, front line faulting and maintenance of Signalling equipment in a team of 3.

8/10

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

NVQ 3 in signal engineering, btec performing engineering operations, signal maintenance testing, ILM level 3, various discipline based competencies.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

the work is good, the teams i have worked with have been decent, the company is good to work for. expectations not quite met as there was no guaranteed job for me.

5/10

4. How valued do you feel by Network Rail?

other maintenance staff make me feel valued, manager not so much. very little in the way of internal or external recognition once the first training in portsmouth was complete.

3/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

well structured but due to reasons out of companies control there has been alot of rescheduling and changes of processes. most learning is self motivated at depot, if you dont ask you dont get.

5/10

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

very little. no feedback on quality of work, no confirmation of work being received when sent. Any support i have required i have had to actively pursue as if i had not i would not have had any. 12 week reviews are carried out but often issues arise between these intervals leaving me with a long list of things that need addressing. the support from the trainers at the training centre however was very good

4/10

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

i get as much support as i need through the staff there. if i have problems i ask my team who best to talk to.

5/10

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

difficult salary to live on with any degree of comfort. i had to move back in with my parents as i could not afford to run my car and pay my rent and bills without sacrificing my ability to eat.

2/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

some teams organise social events for the maintenance staff, football on tuesday nights etc

4/10

9. Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

good company and once you are in the job it is very secure and pays well.

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

i understand the application process has changed since i applied, but i would mention the buzzwords, pride, respect, communication, teamwork