Depot Engineering Manager Review
at Great Western Railway
Level 4/5 Apprenticeship
Engineering
Reading
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
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 currently leading the London and Thames Valley depot team, ensuring compliance to ISO standards and Health and safety acts. This includes the delivery of projects and on going commitments to align with corporate objectives.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The programme was highly diverse with support from both Great Western Railway and Exeter College. The flexibility around adult learning and maintaining and full time job was useful.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt the full project lifecycle and how to use this in a practical environment. GWR's apprenticeship team have supported me through the process, ensuring I have time and sufficient resource to complete the apprenticeship to the best of my ability. They also made sure I was given the correct exposure to be able to use this for EPA.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme was well structured throughout with support before, during and after.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
GWR give excellent to all adult learners and I was lucky to have the opportunity of their support throughout the programme. They aided in all aspects whilst I went through job role changes, moving house and having children. Whenever I required a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen someone from the team was available.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The college were highly flexible throughout my time in the apprenticeship and their support and dedication aided in me completing with distinction.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Previous to my completing my apprenticeship I had a very light understanding of why things were completed throughout project lifecycles although this has given me the ability to promote my skills and have a full understanding from kick off to execution and closure.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Within GWR there are a multitude of outside work events that are held which are promoted and held by the well being team. These include but are not limited to walks, spill the tea days and sports funding.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Great Western Railway to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Great Western Railway is an employer who are keen to promote learning throughout careers and take good acre of their staff well being. They are a company full of opportunities for personnel wanting to learn new skills, work as a team and achieve through times of discomfort as a team.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Great Western Railway?
Always apply yourself to the job at hand.
