Apprentice fleet engineer Review
at Transport for London
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
London
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.2 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My role involves completing depot placements where I am accompanied with train maintainers and advanced train maintainers to learn how to maintain the London Underground train stocks. This included mechanical maintenance and electrical maintenance. I can be at any London Underground depot which allows me to gain an overall knowledge and experience across the fleet.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy my programme because it allows me to gain the relevant knowledge at the same time as gaining all the important experience which I would use towards the job. I prefer a job where I am more hands on as I do not like to be sat at a desk all day on a computer.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed a lot with my tool handling skills and this is necessary for a lot of the mechanical maintenance. I have learnt a lot about electrical systems and reading and understanding drawings such as schematic drawings which detail how an an electrical system works. I have worked with many different people which have improved my team working skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
It is very well structured and we know what to expect. However, some decisions are left last minute which doesn’t help me with planning, whether it be my commute to a new depot placement or booking annual leave. Overall, we know what to expect over the 3 years of the programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My employer has offered support by providing relevant training opportunities to improve and compliment my training within the apprenticeship. The company helps a lot with travelling to work helps reduce the cost to travel. My employer regularly reviews my progress to ensure I am meeting the required standard or work.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The training provider has so far provided learning on engineering maths which is useful for my day to day duties at work. We have also done some lathe work which is a good skill to have but unlikely used un the depot environment, rather, a manufacturing or repairing workplace instead.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I think the qualification is well recognised in the rail industry and should hopefully allow me, along with the experience receive, to progress further in my career. The knowledge in the qualification is relevant, not only with how work is carried out but also the Health and Safety in the workplace.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
I am am aware of some sports teams like football teams, but it is not something which interests me personally. Within the company, there are so many opportunities to network and meet others in different sectors. This, especially as an apprentice is so important to learn about the roles of others.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Transport for London to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It’s a great company to work for. The staff benefits are great and the job has security. If it is an apprenticeship, the experience and knowledge is relevant to the career you are working towards so you feel prepared and confident by the time you have completed the programme.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Transport for London?
Look into the programmes and ensure that it is what you want to do and think about the shift patterns as they can be somewhat disruptive. Make sure for your interview you are prepared for it and have don’t some background research and plenty of practice with family and friends.
