Apprentice first year Review

For the first year it is mainly classroom based at a site in around near Coventry where I spend at least 5 months taking part in theory lessons and learning about the railways in the uk and the signalling as well as practicing the correct methods of fault finding and wearing correct PPE

When I started I was completely new to the railway and as time went on I learnt new things such as how the railway is run and funded as well as what is needed to ensure everyone works safely. I have developed my skills in being able to work under a tight time limit

My programme is and can be stressful at times as it is quite intense and there is a lot to learn with not that much time. I get a bit pressured by meeting dead lines sometimes how ever it is enjoyable when I achieve my goals and learn new things

The programme itself is run well and there is a lot to do therefore I think it could be structured better. We cram quite a lot into lessons and sometimes this can be difficult to keep up with. However we are fully qualified and safety critical after 3 years which is a good amount of time to start earning good money

I get a lot of training and support from my employer as they run a really good training centre with top of the range facilities. This includes a brand new gym and food on site as well as good size rooms and I get to ask any questions and feel comfortable doing so

When working on my qualifications I get taught a lot from teachers that are very intelligent I also get good support with certain targets to reach for each unit and I get given a lot of help to make sure I have the best chance at passing which is excellent

My role requires working safely and doing things to detail correctly which I find is a massive thing that is focused on in the training environment. This makes me work better because I am learning how to do jobs not only correctly but also safely and in a timely manner

There seems to always be so many different events taking place. It is almost like university at times with the amount of social events that people organise. I really enjoy it and I’ve found myself making new friends from all over the country as well as getting advice and tips

Yes

It is a friendly environment with a lot to offer to its apprentices. I feel that we are trusted and get to do good jobs throughout our journey. I have learnt so much already in my first year and I wish to continue to do so. What am also proud of working for such a well organised company

My best advice would be to just enjoy doing what you do and just go for the leap of moving to the training centre at first I was wary of moving away from all my family and friends but in the end it has been amazing and I’ve really enjoyed it