Rating

8.9/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • My role differs on a day to day basis, on some days I can perform exam tasks on rolling stock, and on others I can be investigating and fixing defects. I also get involved in the heavy maintenance side of the job by refitting gangway doors, bogies and intermediate couplers etc.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • During my time at Southeastern both at college and at the depot I have learnt a number of new skills such as: fault investigation techniques such as the half-split method and the 6 point technique, how to perform basic electrical tests such as continuity tests and insulation tests and how to torque load bolts and fasteners up to the required torque.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • My entire apprenticeship has been very enjoyable I have enjoyed coming to work everyday to expand my knowledge on the many systems on a train. My team at the depot have welcomed me with open arms and provided me with a lot of extra knowledge that has helped me become a better engineer.

    9/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • My programme at southeastern is very well structured. In my first couple of weeks with the company I was given site inductions at all of the main depots that I was expected to work in. During the first year at college I was given support by my line manager who held regular support meetings to check on my progress.

    8/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • At Southeastern I recieve a lot of help from the competency management team. I am always meeting up with my line manager to discuss how I am getting on with the numerous qualifications that I am working towards, so this encourages me to work harder so that I can show my employer some real progress from meeting to meeting.

    9/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • NTAR have provided me with plenty of support for my competence qualification, I have regular reviews with them where I set myself targets to achieve in the following 3 month period. My portfolio work is always marked in good time and the feedback I receive is always positive and helps me to expand my knowledge on the trains systems.

    9/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • My competence qualfication allows me to sharpen the skills that I use everyday for work by highlighting the exact processes I should be following on a day to day basis. I did 2 units at the NTAR depot and feel that these units have expanded my knowledge on certain train systems which has helped me when fault finding.

    9/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • During my time at Southeastern I have participated in a number of extra curricular events such as: Ramsgate depot open day; I volunteered my time to be a steward at the ramsgate depot open day, I spent the entire day inside a train cab and allowed adults and children to sit in the drivers seat whilst I explained to them how the trains work. Apprenticeship graduation- I spoke to a number of employers about the benefits of apprenticeships at the graduation ceremony at Rochester cathedral.

    9/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend Southeastern Railway to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • Southeastern is a good company to work for because they offer a good rate of pay, good support from management and there is plenty of career progression opportunities within the company. If you show a willingness to learn then southeastern will back you by financing higher education courses etc.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Southeastern Railway?
  • I would recommend that anybody applying for the role of apprentice engineer should do a few days work experience before applying for the role. This way you will know if the job if for you or not. I would also suggest that you do not rush the application form as the questions need to carefully answered to give the recruiters a chance to know the real you.


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Engineering

Ramsgate

February 2020


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