Overhead lines technician apprentice Review

The first five months is about gaining the knowledge not only of basic theories that will be used but also doing extra classes to earn a leadership management qualification on top of the basic knowledge that is needed for when actually performing the job after the first 5 months at the training centre. The facilities are to a very high standard and so are most of the tutors.

During the first five months I learned plenty of new things which I needed to know for when I would have to actually start performing my job, as well as developing on already known knowledge and skills and how they can be put into practice.

I enjoyed the programme thoroughly during the time I have spent in it so far, working with people from different and similar backgrounds to my own, from all areas of the country. however while it was not a problem for me personally, some people suffered from home sickness due to the extended period of time away from home.

I feel valued by network rail, as I have meetings with staff every now and then to ensure I am doing fine and enjoying my work, as well as contact with my managers and supervisors.

I think that the programme is structured well for the first five months at the training centre, but once I left the training centre I found out that not even my line manager really knew too much about what I had been doing and there had been a clear lack of communication between my line manager and the training centre.

the support provided varied from tutor to tutor in the training centre, as some would provide all the support needed and more both during and after lessons, while some gave off the impression they did not really care outside of lessons.

I receive plenty of support from my supervisor, with explanations being provided for any and every question I ask, as well as things which I do not yet know about.

During the first year, my salary is far from adequate for the costs induced, as out of the monthly wage I receive, a minimum of 90% of it is spent on travel to and from work, while this will improve next year and the year after, during the first year I am barely able to get by.

there are opportunities outside of work, as there is plenty of things that can be done and lots of overtime available if you choose to accept it.

Yes

The scheme does have some flaws, but in the overall scheme of things, the flaws can be overlooked, as the outcome at the end of the apprenticeship outweighs the down sides completely, gaining valuable knowledge and experience that can be used worldwide.

make sure to research into the company and the projects it is undertaking both currently and in the future, showing interest in the company helps greatly.