Apprentice Signalling Design Engineer Review

My job title is Apprentice Signaling Design Engineer. On a day-to-day basis I work on CAD software to design circuits for location cases that control what happens to rail signals. I also work on data, by error checking and making screen pictures.

I have learnt about railway signaling and have attended a course that explained the basics. I will attend more courses to improve my knowledge on signaling. I have also attended courses that allow me to go out on track to test equipment. The main skill that I have improved on this apprenticeship is my confidence.

I enjoy the work that I do because it provides a challenge and makes you think. The people I work with are all friendly and are willing to help you if you have any questions. I didn't know what to expect from work so it has met any expectations I had.

I felt valued when I achieved high grades in my BTEC. My manager awarded me with a champions award which made me feel more valued as I had something additional to show for my achievements. I try to get involved with as many volunteering opportunities as I can, and the people involved make you feel valued and included in the team.

My apprenticeship is well organized and structured. The training to be complete is explained at the start of the apprenticeship and the courses are all booked for you. You are informed if any additional training needs to be carried out. You attend meetings with a member of the capability team every few months to make sure that you are performing well and meeting any targets you have set. There are also progress meetings with your manager twice a year to check your performance. If you have any issues there is always someone available who can offer support.

At college the lecturers will always try and support you. If there are issues with your current lecturer or course there are other members of staff in the college that will help and support you so that you achieve your goals. The tutors at training courses will try and support you as best as they can so that you understand everything and so that you pass the course. Generally the tutors/lecturers will have positive attitudes towards you and will try and help as much as they can.

When I started work I was told who my mentor was. My mentor assists me if I have any questions and helps me understand anything that I am unsure of. All staff are approachable and are willing to support you and answer any questions that you have. My manager supports me with any volunteering or courses that I participate in. If there are any issues my manager or a member of the capability team will help me with the issue.

My salary covers all the costs that I have. I still live at home so I don't have to worry about living costs. The travel costs is covered and I have plenty of money left over each month. The company also allows me to put money in a pension and towards shares which helps with costs in my future.

There are always volunteering opportunities available. Every year the company has a stand at the Big Bang Fair and everyone has the opportunity to volunteer. The volunteering opportunities offer you a chance to improve skills such as confidence and communication and also enables you to network. I also attend Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) meetings at work where we talk about fundraising activities and events.

Yes

I would recommend the job to a friend because it is an amazing opportunity to work for a global company that supports you to achieve any goals that you have. The apprenticeship is an amazing experience and helps you develop new and old skills.

When you attend the interview make sure that you have basic knowledge of engineering e.g. do you know what a relay is? Also make sure that you know what the company does and look at the basics of railway signaling. There are a number of opportunities available to you when you get the job, make sure that you go for as many of these opportunities that you can.