Media centre

Monday 5 Jul 2010

LONDON RAIL APPRENTICES GET TRACK TO WORK

Region & Route:

| Southern

More than 200 apprentices have started work for real at railway depots across Britain after completing their first year at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. More than forty of the apprentices are now based at Network Rail’s depots and stations in and around London.

Network Rail apprentices specialise in track, signalling and telecomms, electrification and plant, property works and mechanical locking. They will work under supervision in teams gaining vital experience over the next two years as they train to become maintenance technicians. They will return to HMS Sultan for further courses and training throughout this time.

Steve Feathersone, director of maintenance at Network Rail, said: “Britain relies on rail so it is vital to invest in our people and our future with apprenticeships. We’re training the next generation of specialists with the latest technology to deliver this success in a modern, efficient way – it’s a career that brings great value to Britain.

“Learning on-the-job with experienced teams enables our apprentices to understand the industry and their role far better than they can in just a classroom. Once the training is complete, they are already an important team member helping to deliver a better railway for everyone.”

Case studies:

Jonathan Good from Brentford is a 20-year-old signalling and telecoms apprentice based at Network Rail’s Clapham Junction depot.

 

Jonathan reveals the best thing about Network Rail’s advanced apprenticeship scheme: “The best thing about the scheme is the training and qualifications that I will have achieved after completing the course. The things I’ve learnt so far are steering me towards a valuable career that I enjoy. I can’t wait to get out into the depot and further my learning.

“Up to now the course has been great. There is a lot to learn and the time spent at Gosport really flies by when I’m busy. I work hard and play hard. The memories I’ve gained are great and I’ve had loads of fun.”

Jonathan reveals why he chose the scheme: “I chose the scheme because I felt like I’d reached a point where I had to take some initiative and do something interesting with my life. It’s the best apprenticeship that I could find and I was ecstatic when I found out I’d be going to Gosport for real. Now I feel completely new, I’m learning new things and I have really changed for the better.”

Lettie Todd is a 19-year-old property works apprentice from London, based at Liverpool Street station.

Lettie reveals the best thing about Network Rail’s advanced apprentice scheme: “It’s hard to pick just one thing, there is so much going on and to get involved with. The practical learning aspect of the course is great because it provides a hands-on experience which prepares you for the working environment of the depots. However, it’s the people you meet that really do make the apprenticeship scheme a hugely enjoyable experience.

Lettie is one of a growing number of young women choosing a career in the rail industry. “I chose this scheme because the Network Rail apprenticeship is one of the best opportunities available for women to become involved in the engineering industry.” she said.

“Most people would consider engineering a man’s trade because it is widely thought that there is a lot of heavy labour involved, however this is a general misconception. There are several trades within Network Rail, including signals and telecoms where manual power is not required.”

Lettie’s advice to young women looking to embark on a career in the railway? “Just go for it! It’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Irin Tiwana from Uxbridge is a 19-year-old track apprentice based at West Ealing depot.

Irin reveals the best thing about Network Rail’s advanced apprenticeship scheme: “I think the best thing about this advanced apprenticeship scheme has to be receiving NVQ and BTEC qualifications whilst earning a wage and preparing for a future career.

“HMS Collingwood also has excellent gym and sports facilities, and with so many people around you there’s never a moment where you’ll find yourself bored or without enough players for a game of football.

“My main reason for choosing the scheme was because of the career prospects that it offers. University isn’t for everyone and the scheme allows you to develop skills that you will use throughout your career on track. Leaving home for a year was also a bonus as I feel at my age it was time for me to start looking after myself without the safety net of my parents.”