Traction Rolling Stock apprentice Review

As a traction and rolling stock apprentice, our job mainly involves maintenance of trains/machines. Most of our apprenticeship so far has been theoretical based, in a class room environment learning knowledge to implement into day day maintenance jobs. We have had some on site experience this has enabled a direct link between linking knowledge to practice

I have learnt many new skills, this is first engineering based job I have ever had so virtually every thing I have learnt during the scheme has been a new skill. I have done electrics, fault finding, schematics, brakes, engines, hydraulics the list is endless. I also feel I have enhanced my interpersonal skills greatly since commencing the course as I am working with a different team to what I have done previously.

So far I have experienced a lot of ups and downs during the course but on the whole I have to say it has been a largely positive experience, learning many new skills and meeting a diverse group of work colleagues, Colas have also provided us with all things needed throughout and in fact have provided far more than just the basics.

After some teething issues in the early days, the course has gradually became a lot more organised and fluid, we now have a structured plan of where we will be for the majority of the course, this helps us to plan our lives ie holidays etc around the course, on the whole massive improvement.

Due to the hierarchy within colas it can sometimes feel difficult as an apprentice where to turn for support, it can sometimes feel like different departments do not work as part of the same team and this can make you feel like not approaching anyone with issues etc

They have provided first rate training and the people employed to do this are immensely knowledgable and passionate about passing on these skills.

As the qualification has not been obtained it is hard to rate this section

Very limited activities there has been some networking events but not well communicated, to staff

Yes

Colas provide the apprentice with the complete training package and go above and beyond when it comes to training, they allow far more time than competitors for the modules to be achieved to the highest standard and do not pressurise the learner to obtain things to quickly.

Grasp the opportunity and embrace it as it will provide you with first rate training and the chance to get an amazing career