Apprentice Review
at Network Rail
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Civil Engineering, Project Management, Sustainability
Salisbury
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
3.9 /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!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.6/5
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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:
4/5
The role is very varied in what you are required to do. Some days you may be carrying out some laborious tasks with the team, other days assisting patrols, carrying out surveys, or being involved in wider engineering operations.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoyed the work and the people I carried it out with. With the learning side of the scheme I also made quite a few good friends who I hope will be good industry connections in the future
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I came from a starting point of having very little knowledge in terms of railway specific engineering activities but I did have 4 A levels. Some of the learning with maths was somewhat below what I was expecting but other aspects of the training like the bench fitting was brand new and useful to me
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
There was several shifts in the training delivery, and the training team internally and externally could occasionally clash timing wise. These shifts with the delivery programme also made it difficult to see a timeline for my development in an in-depth manner. However I can see this changing as people become experienced with changes to the scheme
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I Haven’t had to reach out for support I am aware that it is present if I need it and has helped others that I am aware of
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Sometimes there’s a clash between what those attitudes depot need and what you need, and you may have to remind them of your position as an apprentice rather than an operative. But I didn’t require much support and have seen that those who have needed it have received an adequate amount of support
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualifications I have been working towards are very relevant to the career I desire
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are occasional events but they are work focused
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I find the company culture and work to be enjoyable and rewarding. I feel that I have found a career for life and think others would feel the same
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?
Be open to the variety of tasks you’ll experience, days are rarely the same and be prepared to react the new requirements of the day.
