Apprentice Review

My role is being part of the Maintenance team at Portobello Maintenance Delivery Unit. It involves going out doing routine maintenance such as, ballast profiling, Robel packing and changing rails. My role involves me taking part in tasks but also observing them so that I can gain the relevant knowledge. Every week I have reviews with my manager to check on my progress.

I have definitely gained many more skills. I have gained more practical skills within the maintenance team when it comes to using the tools. I have definitely gained more communications skills as this is vital as we work in teams during most tasks. I have also gained greater time keeping skills for giving back line blockages and possessions.

I would say that I enjoy my programme very much. I have met many new people and would say that has made my programme very enjoyable. I also enjoy learning new things about the railway as I had a very basic knowledge about it before. I also feel the atmosphere at work is very good.

I would say that the structure and organisation of my programme is very good and during my first 21 weeks at Westwood couldn't have been better organised. Everyday at my work is very organised as well and I always have something to do. Every time I get given work I always have enough time given to me to complete it.

I would say that I receive a lot of support from my employer. Every day at work if I have a question to ask there is always someone there to give me a good answer. I also receive enough help when it comes to completing any theory based learning that I have been given.

I receive a lot of help when it comes to working towards my qualifications. My colleagues with plenty of experience are always helping me and giving me important knowledge to complete these tasks. I also receive a lot of help by giving me plenty of time to complete this work.

I feels that this allows me to excel. I feel that in my role safety is critical and because I have done a whole subject on Health and Safety I feel this has helped me to keep me and my colleagues safe. I feel I have been able to transfer this knowledge from my training into my work.

While I was training there were a number of sports to get involved in at Westwood. Some of these included Rugby, Volleyball, Football and Basketball. This was important for keeping myself healthy while I was training and it also gave me a chance to get a break from my training.

Yes

I would recommended Network Rail to any of my friends or family. I would do this because it is a great company to work for and because it is so diverse and welcoming. I would also recommend this because the benefits you get for working for Network Rail are outstanding.

I would say that you should be someone who is safety minded as Network Rail is a safety critical company and expects a good safety performance every year. I would also say that you should also have good communication skills as you may work in close knit teams and need good communication.