Distribution and Plant Technician Review
at Network Rail
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Electrician, Engineering
Cambridge
Review Submitted: October 2026
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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:
5/5
As a Distribution and Plant apprentice I help look after the electrical supplies to the railway and the plant which helps keep it running. This can be anything from the 25,000V AC for the overhead lines down to the 230V which you'd see in your house. We also maintain generators which are used as backup supplies to the signals amongst other small plant.
Day to day activities typically involve routine inspections and maintenance on our assets. Bigger jobs which are less frequent can involve running new signal power cables down the track and commissioning new equipment. All the while, we have to be ready to respond to faults which could spring up at any time. Every day is a little bit different so I would recommend it to people who enjoy a bit of variety.
Day to day activities typically involve routine inspections and maintenance on our assets. Bigger jobs which are less frequent can involve running new signal power cables down the track and commissioning new equipment. All the while, we have to be ready to respond to faults which could spring up at any time. Every day is a little bit different so I would recommend it to people who enjoy a bit of variety.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoyed the program and have made many good friends from the apprenticeship. There is quite a lot of online tutoring in the first year which I wasn't the biggest fan of but the technical training which you'll do in person definitely makes up for it.
You get to see the rest of your class and get stuck into some hands-on learning which is relevant to your particular discipline.
You will travel out to the training centre and stay in hotels during courses so at the end of the day you can go out and explore the city with your new friends.
Between courses you'll be at depot, completing maintenance with your team. As you progress in your training you'll find yourself being able to do more and more which feels good.
You get to see the rest of your class and get stuck into some hands-on learning which is relevant to your particular discipline.
You will travel out to the training centre and stay in hotels during courses so at the end of the day you can go out and explore the city with your new friends.
Between courses you'll be at depot, completing maintenance with your team. As you progress in your training you'll find yourself being able to do more and more which feels good.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The distribution and plant apprenticeship shares a lot of modules with an electrician's apprenticeship so I've learned a lot about the UK's wiring regulations and picked up some City & Guilds certificates along the way.
I've built on various practical skills such as reading electrical diagrams, electrical testing and installing new pieces of equipment.
Speaking to signallers and electrical control operators has also helped me become more confident effective when communicating with others.
I've built on various practical skills such as reading electrical diagrams, electrical testing and installing new pieces of equipment.
Speaking to signallers and electrical control operators has also helped me become more confident effective when communicating with others.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The training schedule kept being changed when I first joined but things seem to be more organised now. Your training will progress logically so you'll build new skills off of a solid foundation.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
You'll have two apprenticeship development coaches who will be able to support you with any concerns and get you the help you need.
From my experience everybody at depot is happy to help and answer any questions you may have. Former apprentices especially can be helpful because they will have gone through the same process.
From my experience everybody at depot is happy to help and answer any questions you may have. Former apprentices especially can be helpful because they will have gone through the same process.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
They will help you as best they can. I struggled meeting deadlines with my coursework and they helped me set manageable targets and try different working techniques to keep me on track.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The training is relevant to my role so it definitely helps
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 volunteer days where you can have fun with your colleagues whilst doing good for local communities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Every day is a little different which keeps me engaged and I feel like I'm constantly learning. Whilst it does involve shift work during nights and weekends you get enough annual leave and rest days to have a good work life balance. Also good money :)
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?
DO YOUR COURSEWORK ON TIME! I didn't and I'm living in a world of pain
Be prepared to drive. This job involves a lot of driving between access points and assets and depending on the depot you join, the area you cover can be very big. (Don't worry if you haven't got a license yet. You'll be supported if you're new to driving.)
You'll get access to the Wellhub app which gives you discounted gym memberships.
Use training courses as a chance to explore a bit. My training has taken me places that I wouldn't have thought to go otherwise.
Be prepared to drive. This job involves a lot of driving between access points and assets and depending on the depot you join, the area you cover can be very big. (Don't worry if you haven't got a license yet. You'll be supported if you're new to driving.)
You'll get access to the Wellhub app which gives you discounted gym memberships.
Use training courses as a chance to explore a bit. My training has taken me places that I wouldn't have thought to go otherwise.
