L3 Operations Apprentice Review
at Network Rail
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Logistics and Operations
York
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
2.2 /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!
2.5/5
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Overview of Role
2/5
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Skills Development
1.6/5
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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:
3/5
Shadowing existing Railways Operators hoping they allow you to carry out the job. Courses, placements with supporting disciplines, reflective essays. Attaining competences to allow me to run the railways.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
2/5
I did not. The company treated us with no dignity. Placed excessive demands under the guise that this is what 'Operations requires' whilst not being in an Operational role, and under the promise this would lead to reward that never came to fruition.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
2/5
Learned to signal trains. Did multiple courses which were identical to those that gave accreditation/competence, but was not awarded due to spurious reasons.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
There was a clear plan/structure. Which was not met whatsoever, there were at least five iterations of the 18 month programme, and not one of those iterations was adhered to. The result was an ad hoc scramble with national travel being requested of us with no working days notice repeatedly.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
1/5
Support was forthcoming, but wholly superficial.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Support was forthcoming from the Network Rail training team.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
The qualifications achieved were relevant and an access path to a limited range of Operational roles. However, there was no access pathway or qualifications to many of the roles specified as being destination roles by management and in the job advertisement.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
There are some available, but only on a national scale involving travel. None are near.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
No
Why?
Unilaterally unpleasant culture.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?
Be aware of the realistic outcomes versus those you are told are realistic.
