Nearly 200 apprentices have started work at Network Rail depots across Britain after completing their first year at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire.
The apprentices specialise in track, signalling, telecoms and electrification and plant. Over the next two years they will work under supervision gaining vital experience as they train to become maintenance technicians.
They will return to HMS Sultan for further courses and training throughout this time.
Steve Featherstone, director of maintenance at Network Rail said:
“Getting out on the railway, learning on-the job, responding to incidents and gaining experience from our specialists is a vital part of our apprenticeship.
“Every day they will be part of a team making sure we get three million people to work and home again. It’s rewarding and of great value to Britain.
“The railway is becoming ever more popular and we have big plans for making it more reliable, efficient and better value for money; our apprentices will play a big role in that.”
He 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.”
Simon Kent, aged 25, a Network Rail apprentice based in Doncaster commented on why he joined the scheme:
“Having already completed an electrical apprenticeship, I found myself in a career with few long term prospects.
“I came across Network Rail’s scheme and quickly realised that the company offered me a chance to not only transfer my existing skills into a challenging and dynamic engineering environment and to add to them on a daily basis, but also the opportunity to work for a company that encourages and supports my desire for real career progression.”
Sadie Burns, aged 19 and a third year apprentice based at Rugeley in Staffordshire, explained why the scheme appealed to her:
“I never thought about a career in engineering before applying for this scheme but I’m so glad I did. It’s a whole new experience, I’m learning really interesting things and I think I have fitted in really well.
“I can understand why people would think the scheme would just appeal to men, but the more courses like this get advertised, the more women will realise – so what if you’re a woman, why should that stop you from becoming a great engineer?”
