Rating

7.6/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • I am an S&T installer, my day to day role is to go out on site and wire location cases, recover out of use cables, build discboxes, install relays, etc. I work 40 hours a week, including weekends and night shifts. This involves working outside in all different weather conditions.

    8/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have learnt numerous new skills, such as how to install many different types of railway equipment, how to read circuit drawings, etc. I have also developed my existing skills, such as working effectively in a team. Colas rail have also put me through courses to further develop my learning as much as possible.

    8/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I enjoy this apprenticeship program very much, as it sets me up for an amazing career in the railway industry, with many different pathways that are available for me to take to decide what I would want to specialize in. I would reccomend this apprenticeship program to anyone who would be interested.

    8/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • This program is very well organised, as the company ensures I will get as many competencies, and as much training as they can provide for me to carry out any tasks I will need to complete safely and effectively. The apprenticeship has a structured 2 year plan which displays to me exactly what i will learn within these 2 years, and what courses i will undertake.

    9/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I receive as much support as I can possibly get from my employer. if I need any help with anything on site or otherwise, I will receive all the help that I need. I have never been in a situation where I have felt without support in my time working for Colas Rail

    8/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • When I need support from my training provider regarding progressing towards my qualifications, I can email them with any questions or queries regarding the coursework that I need to complete. I have also received various reference materials which I can use to help me get a rough idea of examples of the standard of work i should follow.

    7/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • I feel that my qualification helps me to learn the theoretical side of the railways better, although working out on site also helps me to learn the physical aspects of the railway, so it is a balance between the classroom and physically being out on track doing the work hands on which helps us to learn effectively.

    6/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • There are many professional networking events that us apprentices can get involved in. Recently, i had the opportunity to represent Colas Rail at London Design and Engineering college, where I got to talk to students who were thinking about their future career paths, and showing them what the railway industry actually entails.

    7/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend Colas Rail to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • I would definitely recommend Colas Rail to a friend, as there is a great future in the railway industry, with many years of work ahead. there are many different avenues that someone might take, due to the massive number of roles that there is on the railway, and Colas Rail employs many of those different professions.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Colas Rail?
  • The main tip I would give to people who are thinking of applying to Colas Rail is to give it a go. The railway is an exciting place, where you will meet many great colleagues, and really enjoy working. The application process was slightly lengthy, but it was definitely worth it in the end.


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Engineering

Wales

March 2019


View More Reviews
Recruiting? See how we can help you