Move over Lord Sugar, Network Rail is looking for engine-eous apprentices
Are you excited about engineering, passionate about learning and want to work as part of a team to transform Britain’s rail network? If so, an apprenticeship at Network Rail Anglia could be for you.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week (running 4-8 March), Network Rail is seeking 17 enthusiastic, conscientious apprentices to begin an engine-eous three-year programme departing in September.
Our apprentices will be kept on track and helped to reach their destination, avoiding the buffers through expert training, developing skills for life by and earning while they learn.
Following initial training, you’ll be able to keep your train of thought in one of our depots across the route and whichever career path you choose, you’ll work to transform the vast network of rail, signals, electrified lines and telecommunications to get them ready for the future.
Elinor Harris, 32 from Gorleston in Norfolk is almost at the end of her three-year apprenticeship. She is currently working at the Norwich depot.
During her experience, Elinor has learned about switches and crossings, trackside maintenance and signals, and has also had the chance to analyse data that helps with the day-to-day running of the railway.
Now her apprenticeship is coming to an end, Elinor would like to continue to work within the track discipline as a Technical Officer or Technician and continue to broaden her knowledge and experience.
She said: “I decided to apply for the scheme as I didn’t know anything about the railway, but I always had an interest in engineering.
“At Network Rail, you get so many opportunities to develop, and the chance to study for qualifications. It gives you a great head start to further your career.
“Network Rail is a really great company to work for, and they look after their staff. You get to work with some great people, and get to work in places you would usually not get the chance to.
“The experience so far been really rewarding and I have learnt so much. I am almost coming to an end of my apprenticeship and it has been an incredible experience and I have no regrets. I would certainly recommend the apprenticeship scheme to anyone.”
Owen Flanders, 31 from Eye in Suffolk started as a signal apprentice in 2007. He worked his way up to his current role as a senior renewals and enhancements engineer at the Stratford office responsible for looking after the signals and control systems at Liverpool Street and across the route.
He works on one of the most heavily-used freight paths in Britain, covering the mainline from London Liverpool Street to Norwich, which also sees around 32 million passenger journeys a year.
Owen has also continued his education while climbing the career ladder. Network Rail recently funded his Master’s degree in engineering from the University of Birmingham.
Owen commented: “I joined Network Rail 11 years ago as a signalling apprentice.
“The Anglia route is a very exciting place to work. I get to really make a difference to people’s journeys and to be part of the team responsible for making sure the signalling systems are working so passengers can get to where they need to be.
“I’d encourage anyone who is leaving school or wants to change their career to think about an apprenticeship. It has given me a good knowledge of the job and has really helped me to get where I am now.”
To find out more information, please visit the Network Rail website.
