TRAINING
Network Rail’s Advanced Apprenticeship scheme is training talented young people to work on the railways, reports Kate Ashley.
N
early 200 apprentices have started work at railway depots across Britain
after completing their fi rst year at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire.
The Advanced Apprenticeship scheme is a three-year programme to train and develop maintenance engineering technicians. Sev- en different pathways are available, includ- ing track, signals, electrifi cation and plant, signal design, property works, mechanical locking and telecoms.
Apprentices’ learning is paid, and will re- sult in qualifi cations from NVQ, BTec and the Institute of Leadership and Manage- ment. There is also a further option to con- tinue studying on a foundation degree.
The fi rst year takes place at the training fa- cility at HMS Sultan, before apprentices go out into the fi eld, where trainees will work under supervision at locations around the country. Training and development is on- going, and for many can result in a long- term career with Network Rail.
Steve Featherstone, director of main- tenance at Network Rail, said: “Getting out on the railway, learning on the job, responding to incidents and gaining ex-
60 | rail technology magazine Aug/Sep 11
perience from our specialists is a vital part of our apprenticeship scheme. Ev- ery day, our apprentices will be part of a team making sure we get three million people to work and home again. It’s re- warding and of great value to Britain.
“The railway is becoming ever more popular and we have big plans for making it more re- liable, effi cient and better value for money; our apprentices will play a big role in that.”
Featherstone added: “We now have the building blocks in place so that beyond their apprenticeships, our engineers can undertake an HNC, a foundation degree and then a full degree in engineering. They can earn while they learn and go as far as their aptitude, attitude and ambition can take them.”
Sophie Fardell, aged 20, a Network Rail ap- prentice based in Lincoln, commented on why she joined the scheme: “I wanted a job that would enable me to build a career for myself. I learn better from practical learn- ing and so an apprenticeship in engineer- ing seemed to be the best option for me to learn while on the job and earning so I could support myself.”
Adam Sergeant, 21, from Wales, is a Net-
work Rail apprentice based in his home town of Newport, specialising in electri- fi cation and plant. He said: “I applied to Network Rail to seek a career in electrical engineering. I researched the scheme and it ticked all the right boxes offering me the opportunity to be involved in developing Britain’s railways. With so much invest- ment and vision for the railways there was no better time to apply.
“My knowledge of the railway and en- gineering has grown from the fi rst day and the tutors have taught me a lot about what to expect in the workplace and were more than willing to pass their knowl- edge on to me. I have learnt to communi- cate effectively, how to work as part of a team and have been continuously work- ing hard to improve my fi tness levels.
“I am committed to taking full advantage of every opportunity I get.
“The outcome of my apprenticeship is in my hands, and using everything I have learnt in the fi rst year, I will continue to work to the best of my ability and strive to make my mark in Network Rail.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit
careers.networkrail.co.uk/apprentices
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