Apprentice Engineer Review
at Network Rail
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Leeds
Review Submitted: October 2026
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
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
I am involved in various engineering projects ranging from track to civils. No only is this work actually useful to the programme, but it has allowed me to strongly develop as an engineer. So because of this, no day is really the same as the next.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I particularly enjoy the technical side to the engineering work that I do. This may include using CAD, using maths or engineering principles to solve problems, etc. I am always doing different things, whether that be site visits, Uni visits, general office work, volunteering. The wide plethora of opportunities is what keeps me excited within my role.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I use various tools such as CAD, Word, PowePoint, etc (all of which my skills have improved from using them so far throughout my apprenticeship). I also now understand document control and the delivery process for engineering projects to a better extent.
From both work and university I have also developed my technical knowledge within engineering particularly relating to track and structures.
From both work and university I have also developed my technical knowledge within engineering particularly relating to track and structures.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
I mainly work under the mentorship of a track engineer also working on the programme. He ensures that I have a constant stream of work so that I am always learning.
I receive targets on a quarterly basis from my apprenticeship coach which helps me to keep on track with my development.
I receive targets on a quarterly basis from my apprenticeship coach which helps me to keep on track with my development.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have much support on the programme from the engineer I am working under, other more experienced apprentices and the University. I routinely attend 'catch up' and progress meetings where we discuss how I am managing the work and address any challenges I may face in doing it.
All of my colleagues are kind and supportive and will never say no to helping an apprentice.
All of my colleagues are kind and supportive and will never say no to helping an apprentice.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I attend quarterly meetings with my apprenticeship coach to allow me to share what I have been doing at University and work and to receive targets and feedback to help me develop further.
Most of the University staff are happy to answer any inquiries about the work they set, however sometimes I am constantly having to chase up a response.
Most of the University staff are happy to answer any inquiries about the work they set, however sometimes I am constantly having to chase up a response.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Before entering my apprenticeship I had an extremely limited amount of knowledge relating to railway engineering due to coming straight from A-levels the same year.
In my degree I have learnt the fundamentals to all rail engineering disciplines (track, OLE, signalling, etc) whilst also currently studying one of these in much more detail.
However this course only seems to cover technical knowledge and not other areas such as the process of delivering engineering solutions, project management, safety requirements, etc.
In my degree I have learnt the fundamentals to all rail engineering disciplines (track, OLE, signalling, etc) whilst also currently studying one of these in much more detail.
However this course only seems to cover technical knowledge and not other areas such as the process of delivering engineering solutions, project management, safety requirements, etc.
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 many events that I can attend as an apprentice which allow me to network with colleagues - one of which being the Early Careers Professional event, which is held annually and for employees just starting out their career.
There are no sports teams to join as far as I am aware and the social activities exist but aren't in a huge abundance. Everyone in my office will get together on a workday twice a year to do various activities and network. Whilst there sometimes are other opportunities, they are not too common.
There are no sports teams to join as far as I am aware and the social activities exist but aren't in a huge abundance. Everyone in my office will get together on a workday twice a year to do various activities and network. Whilst there sometimes are other opportunities, they are not too common.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The opportunities and support that are available to apprentices makes my role extremely interesting.
The work environment is very positive since everyone is so kind, understanding and willing to help.
The work environment is very positive since everyone is so kind, understanding and willing to help.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Network Rail?
Ensure you present yourself as a positive character who is eager to learn about railway engineering and is not afraid to get stuck into the work and opportunities that come your way.
Realise that there is no such thing as a perfect application and that there will always be certain variable that are out of your control. By giving it your best effort and full attention, you will stand in good stead to getting a job with Network Rail.
Realise that there is no such thing as a perfect application and that there will always be certain variable that are out of your control. By giving it your best effort and full attention, you will stand in good stead to getting a job with Network Rail.
