L3 Railway Engineering Technician Apprentice Review
at Network Rail
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Electrician
Colchester
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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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
It can vary as a Distribution and Plant apprentice I would work with High Voltage in Substations to working on Generators as a back up supply's to completing your basic Electrical Installation Condition Reports. Due to being on the apprenticeship, some days I could be working out on the tools or i could be on 2-3 week long training courses which are paid for by the company including accommodation and meal allowances.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The programme is interesting and has improved my overall skills and knowledge not only on a domestic stand point but on a industrial standpoint. I personally although stressful find it very enjoyable and useful for setting me up for my future career.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt how to work in a electrical setting as much so as to complete my electrical qualifications. This as well as learning how High Voltage works and how to safely work with it. I've also further developed my overall skills and knowledge with working in a formal workplace environment.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure of the apprenticeship is organised as the fact of you know what you are doing and the requirements of how to complete the apprenticeship as a whole. In regards to Planning, it could do with improvement due to courses being double booked, rebooked and dates randomly changed.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a decent amount of support from Network Rail and Inspiro which are my training provider. From this I have Apprentice Development Coach on both sides so if I am struggling with the company aspect and at my depot, my Network Rail ADC will be able to support me, if there's issues with my work my Inspiro ADC will be there to support me.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I receive a decent amount of support from the provider as mentioned before I have an apprentice development coach who supports me with my work and completes 12 weekly reviews to help me and check my progress.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I am hopeful that due to receiving a level 3 Rail Engineering Technician qualification, it will help me with if I decide to do my higher education as I have the basis to go off from.
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
There are a variety of different events which take place including Rail Live which is a company event which takes place quarterly where people from all aspects of rail companies come together to discuss the companies and the different aspects and projects the companies are doing.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a good stable company, which gives its employees a lot of skills for the jobs they will complete and they fund it. The pay is also good for an apprenticeship, being a livable wage as well as the chance for progression and movement being high if you are determined to and are willing to.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?
When working for the company be involved in all aspects, be respectful to all staff and be willing to work and travel for training and other necessary courses.
