Distribution and Plant Apprentice Review

As a distribution and plant apprentice, my daily routine for year three involves arriving at my permanent depot, and getting given today's work from the section supervisor. Daily tasks could include monthly generator maintenance, which involves checking oil, coolant and fuel levels. On other days I could be performing a 3 monthly inspection on the k11 switch gear, which involves isolating, checking fuses, links, closing contacts and coils to ensure they are all satisfactory condition. All in all everyday is varied and exciting.

Yes over the last three years I have learnt so much and developed so many skills both as a worker in a profession and as person in a working environment. Learning how to interact in professional working environment is key to gaining the most out of the apprenticeship. however I have also been taught the skills and knowledge required to perform maintenance and fault finding exercises.

I love the programme, years one is very different to years two and three and that's great, because in the first year you are in a training environment, where as years two and three are at the depot, with a more hands on approach, with only a few weeks here and there to polish up on the theory throughout the apprenticeship.

I feel valued at the depot, your not treated as a spare part, you're given real tasks that are complex and challenging and once complete really do make a massive difference, therefore everyone is made to feel welcome and included because everyone is given substantial work which is actively making a difference to the railway.

The programme is structured, towards the end, the structure has noticeably slipped with key criteria in the programme changing, and causing many issues as well as a lack of communication and contact from the Workforce development specialists has let the overall structure for the programme down, however by the end of the scheme you will be more then knowledgeable to be able to solve your own problems.

Plenty of support at the depots and training centres, the company is really positive and always happy to help. You'll never be far from a helping hand. Furthermore as the scheme has been going on for over 10 years there is always an ex apprentice in your team who will know exactly what your going through and what you need to do and they are always willing to offer guidance on a range of topics.

Plenty of support all the managers, team leaders and supervisors are all very supportive and willing to pass down their knowledge on the railway. If you ever need time off from the maintenance schedule then they will always be accommodating and allow you to stay at the depot on the computer so that you can catch up on your work.

as the years go on the money increase and become easier to live on. The first year was easy as all food and accommodation was paid for, for the first 9 months, however the scheme has changed where you no longer spend 9 months in a train establishment therefore you will be living for longer on a lower wage, however as the years go on the money doe increase and becomes easier.

At the first year accommodation there is plenty to do with special activities and sports laid on, to encourage everyone to mix and socialise. so there is never ever anything not to do and there is always fun and exciting activities in the evening, however in the years two and three there isn't because you based at your depot.

Yes

Absolutely brilliant scheme and definitely change your life, if your looking to set up and become a vital member in a big company with proper support and future opportunity to progress then join Network Rail as they simply in my opinion second to none in supporting talent throughout the company.

The company is all about team work, and safety culture. Show an awareness and understanding of this. Furthermore polish up on the company morals, plans, structure and what network rail actually does, all this will show you're keen to join the company. In the interviews don't just say your this and that actually provide evidence by giving them examples of what's happened in your life in order to really show your potential.