Operations management graduate Review
at Network Rail
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Cardiff / Caerdydd
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
3.6 /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
-
Skills Development
3.2/5
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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:
5/5
I am an operations graduate where I was able to complete my placement rotations whilst completing my CIRO apprenticeship, a great balance.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The program was good and I was able to continue learning at the same time as being a graduate. It was at times a little dull and not too applicable, but 75% of the time it was relevant.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
The learning has been written in my OneNote to refer back to when I am at work, I sometimes use them.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Structure was there throughout, but required a little more flexibility at times, however the teaching weeks were well spaced out (3 months).
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I had little support for NR but in all fairness I wanted to completed it myself so little help was needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The support was there at times but when help was really needed, or you had assignment questions, help was difficult to come by.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I do find that I have gained knowledge that is transferable but again the applicability of some things, not so much.
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 was some offered, but distance was often the issue here for me as I did not want to commute too far.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Great flexibility and nice people in the company.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?
Make sure to get good at psychometric testing and also interviewing. This way you can give yourself the best chance.
