Apprentice Technician Review

My role as a Bombardier technician apprentice is to make sure that all the trains that are brought through the depots are in full working condition, ready to fulfill its service for the day. As well as being able to try and benefit the company in finding ways to make things more efficient.

During my time in Bombardier I have managed to gain alot of underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to safely carry myself around a rail engineering environment. Learning about the different components that make up a train such as a train bogie with its primary and secondary suspension, as well as the importance of a kinematic envelope, and much more.

Within the time I have spent in bombardier I have found that I enjoy the learning opportunities that bombardier has to offer in relation with NTAR. Being able to bring all apprentices together for fun learning experiences and group exercises. Most importantly the opportunity to learn hands on of the information I learn to further solidify my understanding of the topic.

My programme of level 3 technician apprenticeship within bombardier has been structured to a satisfactory degree, as it is the first time such a big group has been taken on by one college at the same tine. This seemed to give problems of overcrowding and not having enough lecturers to be able to give us the learning experience we needed.

My employer bombardier supports us sufficiently in means of funding our journeys to other areas, out of our way to be able to learn new and exciting facts of the industry. Also providing living arrangements when being in new places, which also includes food and drinks. As well as provisions for people such as myself in need of safety glasses with prescription.

Training providers within my apprenticeship such as NTAR and CONEL in Enfield have been able to provide us with a range of support to be able to move towards our qualification such as providing us with an actual train bogie to inspect and work on. As well as motors and couplers to get a better grasp of what we are working with.

Where I am trying to become a rail engineering technician as it involves engineering which I am passionate about. My level 3 qualification has been able to help me better understand the smaller, intriquete and vital parts of a train as well as underpinning knowledge needed to be able to become a technician.

At the beginning of my apprenticeship with Bombardier at my induction we were introduced to a committee that are there to help fight our corner in tricky situations. I believe that they offered extra curricular activies, but apart from that I don't believe there are any activities given at work.

Yes

I would recommend bombardier to a friend as it is an amazing opportunity to be able to learn new and fascinating knowledge that broadens your mind. As well as helps to get younger adults an opportunity to get a well paid job with a qualification and a gauranteed job at the end of it.

If there was someone that wanted to apply to bombardier I would suggest for them to do there research within the industry and to make sure that's the route that they wish to take as it is a 2-3 year long apprenticeship. But at the same time if you are passionate about engineering then this is definitely a great opportunity for someone to get their foot on the ladder and in the right direction.