Band b traction and rolling stock technician Review

Carry out preventative maintenance and any repairs to ensure the on time and safe running of rolling stock. Work carries out includes mechanical and electrical work from the current collection equipment and traction units to the full interior inclusive of all catering and staff areas. Carrying out condition checks and examination tasks to ensure every aspect is operating within spec

I have learnt a lot of new skills that are used every day with work and at home. I have had a lot of training in all aspects of the company from customer service to specific training on more specialised areas such as schematics and forklift truck driving. New courses are always available and the company try to ensure staff have the opportunity to have these

It started off great with the college and staff helping with any issues but once back at the Home Depot it has become increasingly difficult to contact the college to have aspects updated or corrected. Somethings these issues have lasted for several months with no reply but eventually the on-site assessor has ensured these areas and issues have been corrected.

Very well structured in the beginning but after leaving the college the structure has suffered and the organisation isn’t great as while working we are also on shifts and the other people on this programme are ok different shifts to me so organising any visits or updates is very hard

I don’t receive a lot of support from my employer the training is only available as overtime and not on shift days as they can not release staff. The company assessor is great but only works Monday to Friday and she is the only one so contact can be difficult when on nights.

All training has been carried out on my rest days. The company have said no overtime will be paid as this is to develop ourselves. I feel I am doing very well progressing but other members on the course are struggling as they don’t have time to sit down and discuss any issues they have.

I feel the qualification may help a great deal but at the moment it is being seen as a box ticking exercise as you require a nvq to move to the next position within the company. I believe the qualification will help as once achieved more courses are available to you

No extra curricular activities are available unless organised by individual shifts. This is a shame as I believe even team building exercises can greatly improve team moral and make the company a better place to work. As a shift we have one social activity a year and that is the Christmas party

Yes

The shifts are not too long and the pay is well above average. I have many friends that work longer hours and more days for a lot less money and as a company they don’t ask for the world. We work 14 shifts a month 7 days and 7 nights with 33 days holiday a year.

I would advise anyone applying to ensure they have the relevant qualifications prior to starting to ensure they are put in the best position possible. I’d also advise them to keep a diary of their shifts as they can be hard to follow in the beginning and also to ensure they get on what ever courses they can