SBT2269 Careermag for Parents Issue 5 v2 FINAL | Page 28

My Apprenticeship Journey
Samiul Choudhury -
Former apprentice
Life after the scheme
Sam started the level 3 engineering apprenticeship
scheme in 2015 and is now a Senior Technical Officer
based in London. We found out more about his
experience as an apprentice with Network Rail
Working on track
Working as part of a track team means
ensuring that the track system is operating
to its optimum so that trains can run and
Britain can keep on moving.
Track assets include all rails, sleepers and
ballast that support the trains together with
their associated drainage structures.
Why did you choose an apprenticeship with
Network Rail?
"After completing my A-levels I was in two
minds about whether or not to go to
university or straight in to working but
decided to explore apprenticeship
opportunities. I wanted an apprenticeship
with a well-established engineering
employer".
What made you apply?
"I explored the career paths you can pursue
on the scheme along with profiles of
previous apprentices - it was a no brainer".
What was a particularly positive experience
during your apprenticeship training?
"A positive experience would be that of
meeting new people and making friends
that you know you'll be in contact with for a
long time. I also really enjoyed learning new
skills and gaining confidence".
Did you have any negative experiences?
"I wouldn't say that there were any negative
experiences. It does take time to adjust to
not being around your family whilst training
at Westwood though".
Working on track often involves making
judgements based on experience and knowhow
but new problems and challenges arise
making it essential to work as a team to
decide on the best and safest solutions.
Track work is an all-weather, around the
clock job where engineers could be out at
any time. It's the kind of challenge that our
apprentices enjoy the most.
No looking back
Can you tell us more about your journey
since completing the scheme?
"3 years sounds like a long time but when I
look back, it's clear that the time has flown
by. During the apprenticeship programme
there is always something new to learn and
you're surrounded by teams and individuals
who are willing to support you.
I feel that the Engineering Apprenticeship
scheme with Network Rail is one of the best
apprenticeship programmes available. It
gives you a great foundation and there is
continuous support along the way to make
sure you get the most from yourself and
secure that role you've been working so hard
for".
I completed the scheme in June 2018 and
secured a permanent position only 2 months
later. I'm now a Senior Technical Officer as
part of the track team at the London Bridge
Depot and I'm really enjoying it!
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