First year apprentice Review

My day consists of following around trained engineers and shadowing them so that I can pick up their skills and learn useful techniques. I have learnt a lot in college at the training school and have transferred my skills I have learnt into using them in the real working environment

My favourite thing about my role is being able to work in teams and work with friends that I have made. I feel that my team work skills have improved and my way of thinking outside of the box has gotten better. I also feel like this has made my communication skills better

My programme is enjoyable. I did miss home when I stayed at the training centre but I did make a lot of new friends that I will probably have for life! The main thing I enjoyed was the team activities where we bonded well and got to build our trust with eAchother

The programme is laid out and planned well. The training centre is set up for 5/6 months with very intense levels of coursework however it is a good way to cram a lot in and learn a lot in a short amount of time: I felt safe and it was enjoyable

My employer are really good at giving me support with what I do. They helped me with a lot of my learning and I felt it was really organised and I was given help whenever I needed it and nobody ever made me feel insecure about asking any of the questions

The training was and is really good I feel that I have learnt a lot and all questions I have ever asked have been answered in good detail and I have also been made to understand anything and if I don’t the teachers don’t mind going back over things

I feel that my qualification is good and it is really specific when it comes down to doing my actual job. I get given a lot of support and taught how to do things properly which makes me work better and safer because I understand how dangerous things on the railway can be

There can be a lot of different activities that you are able to participate in but it all depends on what friends you make and what you enjoy doing. I suggest getting involved with any activities you enjoy doing as it helps you make friends with other people who have similar interests

Yes

I enjoy the working Environment and all the friends I have made since working here, I also think there is a bright future and I have a lot to work for, I enjoy the challenges everyday and the ability to not only use my theory mind but also my practical mind

Personally for me I felt that practicing for the assessments was important and this helped me score well giving me the opportunity to gain an interview. I would also recommend not worrying about not having much experience as you will learn a lot and be taught what you need to know