Traction & Rolling Stock Technician Apprentice Review

My role involves the maintenance of On Track Machines to ensure they are fit to work. It involves problem-solving and fault diagnostics to help ensure the correct operation of the machines when they are working on the railway infrastructure. My role involves travelling to various locations to fix and maintain a variety of the Colas Rail fleet.

Since starting in September I have completed a full foundation course learning about the role of a fitter/technician. I have learnt many new skills from fixing and replacing cylinders to testing electrical components that are essential to the running of the tamper. I have learnt not only practical skills but also many theory based skills including presentation skills to conduct a variety of tasks.

I do enjoy the programme. Having now completed the majority of the internal training I am looking forward to being on placement, learning the appropriate skills for my role having been in the classroom for so long. The internal training has been really good and knowledgable, but now I am hoping to be out a bit more to learn my practical skills. The college I also attend has improved but the teaching there is not as detailed or appropriate as the internal teaching I recieved in Crewe.

The apprenticeship has been fairly well structured. We have spent several weeks in hotels to attend the internal training but that hasn’t been too bad. We regularly see a planner of what is to come in the coming months which is also useful. I don’t have any further improvements for this.

The support network for the apprenticeship is good and is there as and when you need it. We regularly see our line managers who always ask to see how we are doing and if there are any issues. I also feel our regular reviews are essential and good to help explain our concerns and improvements for the course.

We receive a good amount of support. From our training provider I have a review every time I attend the college which is essential to raise my concerns to help improve the new college. My comments in the reviews have been noted and changes have been made to help improve some teething issues.

I feel as the though the qualification I am working towards does help me to understand the railway overall, but as of yet I am yet to be taught anything specific to my role that can help me improve. I am being taught generalised information about the railway which is good to know but is certainly not essential to help me improve in my role as a traction and rolling stock fitter.

There are not any extra curricular activities that we can attend but there is the annual football tournament which is always good fun, and helpful to talk to fellow employees about there role. It would be better if there were some engaging events that helped us to socialise with fellow fitters and people that we require regular communication with.

Yes

Because the quality of teaching we recieve as apprentices is very technical and as an apprentice the responsibility is always increasing which helps me to work to the best of my ability to ensure I meet the level of knowledge expected of me both practically and theoretically. As well as this the apprenticeship also allows us to work all over the country, which is exciting as an apprentice as we get to experience all different types of environments.

For anyone applying for the apprenticeship scheme I would advise them to work hard to help become the best you can be in your role. I would also suggest having some engineering knowledge before applying because the training is technical and engaging, whilst also being essential to the job role.