Traction & Rolling Stock Technician Apprentice Review

My role includes a variety of jobs ranging from daily maintenance to heavy overhaul of components. The role at the moment is a mix between classroom training on Electrics, Pneumatics, Hydraulics and railway machines. The other side to the apprenticeship is out 'in the field' working on a range of different trains, ranging from Grinders, Tampers, MMTs and Freight. Daily maintenance involves checking oils, dimensions of components, function testing and general machine condition.

I have learnt many new skills, in addition to my existing skills which have been further developed. I have been able to further develop my 'hands-on' skills with tools and equipment. This has allowed me to be more confident with the work I am completing, in addition to being able to complete task more effectively and timely.

I really enjoy my program, due to the range of tasks being undertaken and the experience I gain. It has been a dream of mine to be able to work on big machines, especially in the railway industry. It is much better when you have a passion for the job you do, hence my love for my job and the railways. My work colleagues are a great group of people, ranging from fellow apprentices to the trainers and assessors that we interact with.

The apprenticeship scheme is really enjoyable, due to the fact that there is a detailed structure that has us in a range of different locations with different tasks. Right from the start, the induction and support through to the training and assessment, overall has been a really enjoyable process. Line managers and mentors are just round the corner if you require them, which makes for a comfortable apprenticeship, due to knowing support is there if I require it.

Support within the apprenticeship is absolutely fantastic, due to the range of people available to talk to. Our personal mentors are fantastic and can be there for any issues I have, thus making it easy to discuss any type of matters. Guidance through the course is always available, and an attempt is made by the employer to ensure I am happy and there is nothing that may be affecting me both personally or through work.

The training provider is a great company with some fantastic members of staff. There is accessibility to support with the work and the apprenticeship in general. The tutors will give their all to ensure you pass the criteria, putting the effort in get you where you aspire to be. If a problem were to arise, I can be certain that support will be available to get me through to my end qualifications.

The training provided has helped me to develop my performance in my role. I believe that the training provided has allowed me to complete tasks confidently within my role, thus making better progression through the apprenticeship. The training supplied at the start was a mandatory requirement for my role, so therefore the training provider has ensured I am competent for the base level of my role.

The apprenticeship course has a range of different extra-curricular activities, mainly social/networking events, or anything that allows for expanding knowledge. There is a host of different networking events that allow me to further develop my confidence within the company, expand my friends and colleagues, in addition to meeting new people and learning new things.

Yes

The company as a whole is a great company that has many different pathways for apprenticeships, graduates and working careers. If you are interested in the railways, or even just engineering, there will be an option for you. Manual hands on work will include Traction & Rolling stock or P-Way, whereas more electrical based people may take S&T or OLE.

I would say to any applicants that you must put everything you have in to your application, to really sell yourself. It's only a small part of your life, so put in your all and you may well receive a big reward. A tip for the application process is to ensure you put in the effort, learn as much as you can about the business and really sell yourself.