Apprentice Signalling Review

I am an apprentice signalling engineer for Network rail. When I have completed my apprenticeship I will be a signalling operative whose job is to maintain signal boxes and ensure they are running correctly. This will involve working with electrical circuits and using hand tools to ensure they are serviceable. My current day to day tasks are lessons at the academy where I learn about this particular discipline.

I am working towards a Level 3 advanced apprenticeship which will be completed in just over two years time. This includes BTEC and NVQ qualifications as well as a leadership qualification similar of that available to the royal navy. I have also completed maths, English reading, English writing and ict functional skills qualifications. My employer has also enrolled me on a personal track safety course as well as a network rail induction course. these courses have given me more transferrable skills to my job role and given me more confidence.

I enjoy the day to day programme as it is structured like a college day, which is not too long and gives us enough time to learn different subjects. I am in a class with other apprentices and we get on fairly well and work as a team when required. I have not experienced much of network rail as the majority of my work is set from the training provider. The culture within network rail is very safety orientated which is good to show they care about their employees.

My manager here at my training centre has a good impression of me as an individual as I am hard working which has lead to comments about my high standards of work. I have also been recognised by the training provider instructors for the effort I have put into my assignments and the marks that I have received in assessments. This recognition makes me feel very valued within Network Rail and helps me constantly aim for higher and above my means.

My programme is well organised which is helped by a day to day timetable which is planned out for the whole apprenticeship year. This gives me the chance to plan my assignments and work so I am able to complete work within the deadlines. The induction gave me an insight into the scheme and provided me all the information I needed before starting the apprenticeship. I have a regular one to one with a member of support staff who are able to guide me and help me if I have any issues. They also set me regular targets to help me achieve certain goals and aim higher all the time.

As mentioned in the previous question I have a regular one to one with a member of support staff who help me if I have any problems or personal issues. There are also a wide range of approachable staff members available if I need assistance with assignments and work to ensure I do not fall behind and stay on track if I encounter any problems. There is always a positive vibe around the training centre with people who are always happy to help.

The admin team always support me when I need advice or a query such as travel home they are always more than happy to help and are easy to talk to. The member of support staff who mentors me is very approachable and they are available any day of the week if I have work problems or personal issues that I need to talk about. The apprentice manager is also on hand sometimes if I need to bring anything to their attention however they are usually very busy.

I get paid quite well considering the accommodation and food is paid for on the scheme. We live in shared rooms with other apprentices and receive 3 meals a day on most days. The rooms can become irritable and the food isn't great but they are both bearable. A lot of apprentices spend money on their own food because of the standard of food provided which means the salary doesn't work out too good. Travel home on set holidays is also paid for.

There were regular events and activities however due to the scheme relocating their has been a lack in members of staff to organise the events meaning they are cancelled or nobody turns up. However their is a gym, swimming pool and football pitches available to use amongst other facilities and the navy base is close to both Southampton and Portsmouth so their are plenty of things to do.

Yes

There are many different roles and job opportunities within network rail meaning they cater for a wide range of individuals with different skills and interests. The company is very diverse and looks after its employees well through good pay, bonuses and well skilled jobs. I feel network rail provides jobs for life and once you are employed within the company it is relatively easy to move around and get to different and even higher job roles.

Be confident at the interview and most of all be yourself. They are looking for individuals who will be beneficial to their company so it is important you stand out above the rest. Make sure you prepare for the job interview and assessment. Do research about the company and the apprenticeship scheme before completing the online application form and telephone interview. Be keen and motivated and do not be scared to speak up, ask plenty of questions.