Apprentice Maintenance Technician Review

by Network Rail

Rating

6.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Apprentice overhead line technician - carry out work experience with other departments, write 20 work based learning objectives (WBLOs), 9 NVQs, ILM Level 3 qualification and overhead line maintenance courses

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Learnt many mechanical skills, railway skills, team leading/working in a team skills, non-technical skills and maintenance skills

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy learning new things, working in a team and expanding my mechanical knowledge

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by Network Rail?

I feel somewhat valued but there are mixed feelings within the company about apprentices

6/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It's rather hit and miss with the work experience and completing the NVQs

5/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

After the first year we only ever came into contact with the training provider (Babcock) a few weeks within the 2 & 3 years

6/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Network Rail does support apprentices reasonably well but other apprentices from my class are support much less than myself as it varies from route how well the apprentices are supported

6/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

The salary is reasonable but better scary than some apprenticeships, it's not a lot though if you're an older apprentice and have to pay for a mortgage/rent etc

6/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

Within the first year there were - sports, activities organised by the apprentices - but during the 2/3 years there isn't any as far as I'm aware

5/10

9. Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Good qualifications, job prospects and it is a good company to work for with good benefits

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?

Do a mechanical/electrical course or qualification before applying and get a driving licence before also