Graduate Manager Review

As a graduate manager, I have had the experience to carry out a range of different roles. The majority of my time has been spent being a front line people manager, which has involved leading a team of station/onboard staff, dealing with their HR issues, managing performance and ensuring a high level of customer service is delivered. As well as looking after the team, we manage the safety and security of our stations and depots, carrying out regular audits to meet safety compliance requirements.

I have definitely learnt a range of new skills during the apprenticeship programme, as someone who is relatively new to people management the apprenticeship has taught me lots of different tools and techniques which I can apply in the workplace. This has included theories around leading teams, motivating others, how to manage teams remotely and many more.

I have enjoyed taking part in the monthly calls that we have, although as these are done virtually the interactions are not as high quality as they might be in person. These calls are good as they include others from within the same company so it allows us to discuss relatable experiences. However, the more self learning part of the programme has been less enjoyable.

I think the programme is structured quite well, as you can see how topics interlink and sit well alongside each other as you go through the programme. My programme wasn't structured the best due to an admin error when I started which means I have essentially had to play catch up throughout my programme.

The support from my employer has varied throughout the programme. I think it has been difficult to get the balance right due to having several managers due to being on a graduate programme. If I only had one manager throughout I think the support would have been much better.

The trainer provider have provided a learning coach which has been a constant contact throughout the programme. They have been extremely supported and understanding of the changing cirumstances throughout the programme and have done their best to ensure that I progress through achieving the desired outcome from the apprenticeship programme.

I think the qualification is a good opportunity to discuss different scenarios that are experienced in day to day with management colleagues from across our business. The time which we have to reflect and actually consider different approaches can be limited when you're pretty busy day to day so its nice to have the opportunity to look at what we can do better.

The company have some colleague network groups allowing individuals to come together and discuss important issues within the company. There is limited social activity/sports team which is probably driven by the nature of the business, the fact that there is a lot of shift work and lots of people working across different locations.

Yes

Southeastern has a wide range of opportunities which people can explore, it can be really good for individuals who might not have loads of qualifications or see themselves as academic as there is lots of different apprenticeships routes and through the company which can help you learn while you're on the job.

The railway is a great industry to work within, there is lots of different pathways you can take, so I wouldn't be afraid to walk into a job you don't see yourself in long term as it could be a gateway to another area of the business and having some front line experience will definitely be beneficial in any role you end up doing.