Train maintenance engineer Review

As a first year rail apprentice I currently spend 3 days at college and 2 days at the work place. At college I study mechanical and electrical peo on 2 of the days and then on the other my Btec. Whilst at the work place I work with qualified engineers and gain hands on experience.

Since starting I have learnt new skills including being able to change brake pads and various filters as well as understanding more about GWR trains and what tests and inspections need to be done on each train. I have also learnt how to remove a generator unit of a train whilst working in a team which has developed my skills as an engineer.

I thouroughly enjoy my programme. Although some aspects can be quite daunting and college work can sometimes be difficult I enjoy challenging myself and being able to work towards goals that I am able to achieve. The teams in the workplace are very helpful and overall a nice bunch of people to work with, making work more enjoyable.

If I am honest my programme is not very structured all the way through. Some teachers are good and they plan their lessons well and you know what you need to do in order to achieve where as some other teachers are new and don’t know much about the course they are teaching which makes some lessons quite difficult to learn in and it’s not very organised with what work needs to be done by what dates.

My employer offer regular check ups in order to monitor my progress and see how I am getting on. The teams I work with are very helpful and always try their best to show me new skills and help me in any way they can. Also I can email my line manager and arrange a meeting if I am struggling with anything or have any concerns about my learning.

With working towards my qualifications my training provider try to encourage me with my work and attend the check up meeting with my work managers. They support me by setting targets with me and give me advice on what I can do to reach my targets. Overall I feel like I get enough support and if I ever need more I can just ask.

I feel that my qualification gives me a better understanding of rail. Also gives me an understanding on the business and why things work a certain way. It helps my performance because with a better understanding and knowledge I am able to complete jobs better understanding what they do and how they work.

No there isn’t as it is quite difficult regarding shift patterns and being an apprentice I am not on the same shift as anybody else. However social activists and events would increase the moral In the work place and give people something to look forward to when they finish work.

Yes

Because they are a very well organised company with an ambition to achieve and succeed in the railway industry. They care about their staff and everyone that works there are very friendly and helpful. They pay me well for partaking an apprenticeship and offer me a lot of support to help me learn.

As advice for someone applying for hitachi I would only apply if I had self motivation to achieving and learning. I would show the company in my interview that I want to do well and I have previous experience or interest in the engineering industry. I would also research the company and get a background into what the companies long term goals are and how I could help the company achieve their goals.