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Network Rail Apprenticeship  OSFC student makes good – Listen to his story (video link)

Network Rail Apprenticeship Andrew Dixon I was a student at Oldham Sixth Form College following an A Level program in Maths, Electronics, Physics and Business. I had always been interested in following a career in Electrical Engineering from my days in school. I was always fascinated in how things worked. One day my dad came in showing me a copy of the Metro News which contained an advert for Apprenticeships with Network rail. The advert gave a web address which I visited, to find out more details. I promptly phoned the number given and was sent an application form, which I completed and returned. Some 6 weeks later I was invited to a series of ability tests at the local regional centre which was the Brittania Hotel in Manchester. Having successfully passed this I was invited to interview at the Network Rail Stockport depot some 4 weeks later. Of hits on the website, 2500 applications, some 200 were offered places. A drug screening test was also required after the job offer. I was invited down to Gosport, to view the training facilities and Halls of residence. A mentor has since been assigned to look after me during the initial training and through the first year. 'I'm in the first 12 weeks of my apprenticeship where I'll gain a BTEC Engineering qualification. With my background in Maths and Electronics, I am finding I can cope with the course. All the trainee's in my group are from different parts of the country which is a great chance to mix and get to know people from all sorts of backgrounds.

'The training takes place in HMS Sultan, Gosport and should last for 1 year. The training consists of practical workshops and classroom sessions where we look at Health and Safety issues, communication skills and high voltage electrical work. Field work is considered to be a vital part of our training and occurs over 2 years after the initial 12 months in the training centre. We often accompany experienced engineers during practical work and this helps develop confidence. This last couple of weeks we have sat a number of tests, which will be used to select students for sponsorship to University. 'The course we are following contains modules in Maths, Electrics, Electronics, Communications and then assessments complete each module. The instructors have a wealth of knowledge, and when they draw on their past experiences it can be quite humorous at times, which makes it more enjoyable. Training officers come up with a number of different ways to put a point across so that we understand. Nothing is too much trouble. There is homework and projects to do as well. As modules are completed we put what we've learnt into practice in the district under the supervision of a qualified engineer.' On the practical side, the training area has purpose-built rooms with a variety of transformers and systems to work on. In one part of the training centre there is a range of faulty equipment where trainees can simulate design faults. It gives them an insight into potential problems. 'To sum up, it's a great job where you can meet people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. The training is well paid at £8000 with the potential of higher salaries upto £30,000 + bonuses after 4/5 years.

Network Rail 40 Melton Street London NW1 2EE tel: fax:

Tree of Routes into Engineering

Paths to Becoming an Engineer  See the routes available  Work Experience  Ages 15 – 17 For 1 – 2 Weeks  Year Out Before University  For students studying an engineering discipline  £180 – 200 per week  Includes 4 weeks Management School Training  Summer Placements During An Engineering Course At University  10 – 12 Week Summer Placements  £180 – 200 per week (TAX FREE)  Gap Year Placement During An Engineering Course At University  £180 – 200 Per Week  Possible accreditation for course marks

What A levels could I take?  Maths  Physics  Electronics  ICT or Computing  Chemistry  Biology  Business Studies  etc

Degree Courses  Visit the pdf file and see what courses are available.

Personal statement - Bringing out the best  Aeronautical Engineering has always been an interest of mine, from the very first time 1 made an airplane and found myself questioning the ‘angle of the wings’, through to our recent study of control systems in Electronics, and the influence on cockpit design.

Notes: Careers in aeronautics  New aircraft design / materials in use  Interiors / sensor systems / analogue v digital monitoring systems  Automation / Mechatronic systems / self regulation/ monitoring / transducer action / imply future development  Instrumentation Engineering  Hydraulics / mechanical / fluid systems  New designs / Cutting edge technology – single wing  Do you see yourself as a ‘DESIGNER’ a ‘FIX eM’, or at the airport providing a SUPPORT service – a TRAINER – a FLYER.  Find a plane that interests you.