Network Rail is on the hunt for new apprentices in Wales and the borders

Network Rail is looking for 11 new apprentices for its award-winning
engineering apprenticeship scheme to start in March next year.

The scheme is open to applications until this Friday (22 September),
offering a fantastic opportunity for young people and those looking
for a career change to earn whilst learning, gain valuable
qualifications and skills and build a career in engineering.

Apprentices will have the opportunity to work on the ambitious
Railway Upgrade Plan, providing plenty of opportunities for budding
engineers to get stuck into a wide range of projects transforming and
modernising the railway around Wales and the borders.

Apprentices are guaranteed a job upon completion of the three-year
course and more than four in five (83%) of those who started on the
scheme a decade ago are still working for the organisation today.

Andy Thomas, Network Rail’s route managing director for Wales,
said: “Network Rail’s apprenticeship scheme is a great opportunity
to gain valuable paid work experience, transferable skills and
recognised qualifications in one of Britain’s most exciting
industries. Our people are our greatest asset and central to
delivering for our customers a safe, reliable, affordable and growing
railway, connecting communities with each other, connecting people
with their jobs and supporting economic growth more broadly in Wales
and the borders as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.”

Ed Aston joined the scheme fresh from his A levels in 2013 and is now
a qualified technician following a three-year apprenticeship based in
Hereford. In September, he will start a higher national certificate
(HNC) in railway engineering in Sheffield Hallam University, also
funded by Network Rail.

He said: “The most important thing I have learnt is the sheer scale
of the task to keep the railway running, not only now but for years to
come.  I never realised this before or appreciated just how much
knowledge and experience there is in the rail industry and how much
this is needed to keep the railway working. I would recommend an
apprenticeship to anyone. You get hands on training, real experience
in the workplace and get paid at the same time.”

David South, from Abergavenny, joined Network Rail as an apprentice
in 2007. He now works as a planning assistant in Cardiff after
completing his apprenticeship and working in technical support.

He said: “I’d encourage anyone who is leaving school or wants to
change career to go for it and think about an apprenticeship. Network
Rail is a massive organisation with a lot of good people. You’ll
make friends for life both on the apprenticeship scheme and in your
career afterwards.”

Snowy Worrad is coming to the end of her first year as an
apprentice.  After working as a security guard and door supervisor
going back to school has been a refreshing change.

She said: “I’m working as an apprentice signals maintenance
technician based at Port Talbot and this is much more exciting than my
previous roles.  I wasn’t sure about applying for the scheme but
when my family moved from Cheshire to South Wales it seemed like the
perfect time to apply.  I was a bit concerned about living on an
apprentice wage and being away from my partner and children, but
it’s an investment and I know by the end of the scheme I will come
out with great experience and qualifications. Working at my depot has
been the best bit of my first year, my managers are really supportive
and the teams I’ve worked with have been really patient and keen to
explain new things.”

The scheme also has a far higher retention rate than the national
average for engineering. 75% of those that complete the scheme choose
to go into employment with Network Rail, compared to the national
average for engineering of 55%.

To find out more and apply for Network Rail’s advance
apprenticeship scheme,
visit: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships/