Railway Signal Maintenance Apprentice Review

I am a year 2 Signal Maintenance apprentice. This involves completing Work Based Learning Objectives and task books that will help when I start generating NVQ evidence. I am an active member of an installations team, learning my job by being hands on - most of my job at depot does not reflect the training through the apprenticeship.

I have developed my hand skills as I terminate cables and wire up circuits.

The work I do is rewarding and the team I am part of are supportive when it comes to teaching me how to carry out particular tasks. Unfortunately the apprenticeship and my depot are at odds with what I am required to do.

Somewhat. I feel that I am still treated as a newbie and I am not getting the appropriate training to make me a valuable member of the team.

Poor. The training is unnecessarily long and not cost effective (flying from Scotland to the south of England when there is a training school in Scotland seems counter-intuitive). I do not feel my depot is prepared to deal with what I have to do to complete the apprenticeship.

It is expected that we take charge of our apprenticeship, so support is minimal. This is acceptable for those in appropriate departments, but in a department that does not cover the requirements of the apprenticeship, more support may be necessary.

Little to none. The management at my depot seem to have little time to deal with my requests and are busy putting out fires. I have not been assigned a proper mentor, but have been actively asking the experienced staff questions. The department seems ill prepared to support apprentices as the apprenticeship is aimed at maintenance whilst the department is works delivery (installation).

First year salary is poor and only acceptable whilst accommodation and food is provided during the stay at Westwood. Once at depot and apprentices are having to travel to and from work, feed themselves and for some, pay rent/mortgage, it is a struggle to live in the first year wages.

There are voluntary initiatives, but whilst training I feel that I am better to concentrate on my apprenticeship.

Yes

Whilst the first year is a struggle to make ends meet for apprentices with responsibilities, the prospects at the end of the apprenticeship are promising. Not all apprentices will be put in a situation that makes meeting the requirements difficult and it is not impossible.

Read the website thoroughly. Be prepared for the interview. Don't worry about the assessment centre, be yourself and try to be confident (get involved). Ask questions. If you don't feel that you've annoyed the admin with questions, you probably haven't asked enough. The first 5 months are like being back at highschool. You will take part in PE, start going to the gym now - you'll benefit.