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Network Rail

Year in industry student, Mechanical engineer Review

at Network Rail

Placement (10 Months+)

Mechanical Engineering

Milton Keynes

Review Submitted: November 2021

Overall Rating

4.3 /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
5/5 - Support and Guidance
4.5/5 - Company Culture
4/5 - Overall Experience
4/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
I work in the plant team which is the team that manages all the machinery used to build and maintain the railway. This includes ensuring all machinery is safe to use and it being operated safely in accordance with the standards written by the plant team.
I help update standards, attend train depot audits and help update systems used to track all the plant used on the railway.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
Currently I have only completed 2 months of my placement where I have been provided work I am responsible for. At this early stage I believe I am provided with the right amount of responsibility as I know my responsibility will only increase as my placement goes on.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
4/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
I have undertaken a number of training courses while at Network Rail including STEM ambassador training, story telling workshop (improves presentation skills) and I am booked onto the design for reliability course. I have also learnt the procedure used by Network Rail to audit an train depot which was an enlightening experience. I believe I have developed a number of existing skills including communication and having a eye for detail.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
4/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
3/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
4/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
My team is currently going through a tough time with lots of change however I believe throughout this they have still been quite helpful and guiding. inevitably some team members were much better than others in providing support however I feel like those who did provide support were very helpful.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
5/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
5/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Network Rail company culture is wonderful, everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Everybody seems up to date with todays society changes and very accepting of others.
I believe Network Rail is a great place to work.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
5/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
4/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
4/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
I am currently enjoying my placement as it provides me with industry experience and also practical experience. I enjoy the work I do in the team as I am given responsibility and provided with a decent amount of work to complete so I am not left with nothing to do. I also like how there is always more projects you can be involved in.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
4/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
4/5

Future Career Prospects

Please rate the future employment prospects at Network Rail
4/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail
Research Network Rail, get to know the company as it has a vast history. However also be passionate and enthusiastic as Network Rail want people who are proactive.
If you are able to gain a placement then during your placement I advice you ask lots of questions. Everyone is friendly and will be happy to answer your questions.
In This Review
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