Network Rail

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MangledMetal

Original Poster:

104 posts

190 months

Sunday 28th January 2018
quotequote all
Evening all!!
Ive seen mention of this somewhere on here before, but can’t seem to find anything relevant!
So please feel free to remove this if appropriate!!

I’m just intrigued if there is anyone on here who has much to do with Network Rail?
I have done as much research as possible on them and it seems to be a cracking company to work for, future benefits, progression etc.
I have been through the various selection criteria, interviews, assessment centres etc and have been selected to Join the Advanced Apprentice Scheme.
Apparently there were a huge amount of applicants, so I’m quite chuffed!

I’m in my 30s, and left a long term, full time job in order to persevere with this, so to say I’m apprehensive is an understatement!


Looking forward to hearing any comments!

Regards.

MM

Rick101

6,969 posts

150 months

Sunday 28th January 2018
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Great. The Apprentice scheme is one of the best going.
Lots moan about, well anything, but on the whole it's a good company to work for.

Vaud

50,482 posts

155 months

Sunday 28th January 2018
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No connection with them, but that looks like a pretty good choice... congrats. As a more mature hire, don't get institutionalised too quickly!

bobmcgod

405 posts

194 months

Monday 29th January 2018
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Well done! It's a really hard scheme to get on so you must have done well! I applied to it about 5 times when I was a bit younger but never even got to any sort of interview or selection process.

sparks85

332 posts

175 months

Monday 29th January 2018
quotequote all
MangledMetal said:
Evening all!!
Ive seen mention of this somewhere on here before, but can’t seem to find anything relevant!
So please feel free to remove this if appropriate!!

I’m just intrigued if there is anyone on here who has much to do with Network Rail?
I have done as much research as possible on them and it seems to be a cracking company to work for, future benefits, progression etc.
I have been through the various selection criteria, interviews, assessment centres etc and have been selected to Join the Advanced Apprentice Scheme.
Apparently there were a huge amount of applicants, so I’m quite chuffed!

I’m in my 30s, and left a long term, full time job in order to persevere with this, so to say I’m apprehensive is an understatement!


Looking forward to hearing any comments!

Regards.

MM
Worked for NR in Projects for 5 years recently so have recent knowledge of the company. The apprentice scheme will be excellent and you'll be getting into an industry where if you're half sensible you'll never be without a job and be in demand.

Long term I would use the scheme to hoover up as much knowledge, courses and training as possible. Work in as many areas as possible, don't pigeonhole yourself. You want to make sure you're employable outside NR on the contractor side.

A lot of stuff to do with the railway seems quite arcahic to someone new to the industry. It's never the best or most tmodern way of doing things, invariably it's because it's always been done like that. However in the past 5 years at least there has been a lot of internal change and NR is moving in the right direction, even if it's not there yet.

Great opportunity on your hands, enjoy it!

VW_Sam_

75 posts

77 months

Monday 29th January 2018
quotequote all
bobmcgod said:
Well done! It's a really hard scheme to get on so you must have done well! I applied to it about 5 times when I was a bit younger but never even got to any sort of interview or selection process.
Agree with bobmcgod.. I too applied when I was finishing my GCSE's, but I never heard anything back, which was a shame.

A family friend worked for them for his whole working life, and retired a few years back. He loved his job, had a great career that lasted his whole working life. A good company to work for, with plenty of opportunity for progression, no doubt.

All the best!

Gareth1974

3,418 posts

139 months

Monday 5th February 2018
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Rick101 said:
Great. The Apprentice scheme is one of the best going.
Lots moan about, well anything, but on the whole it's a good company to work for.
This is good summary.

I imagine you'll be heading to Westwood?

MangledMetal

Original Poster:

104 posts

190 months

Tuesday 6th February 2018
quotequote all
Sorry for the delay in replying folks.

Many thanks for the replies.

Very interesting comment about pigeon holing..... it’s something I hadn’t thought of.
I was thinking exactly the opposite. Very much food for thought. Thanks.

And yes, Westwood is where it’s based.
Looks to be a smart place, with good facilities!

Rick101

6,969 posts

150 months

Tuesday 6th February 2018
quotequote all
Rick101 said:
Lots moan about, well anything.
MangledMetal said:


And yes, Westwood is where it’s based.
Looks to be a smart place, with good facilities!
Bah, not like it used to be in the good old days! furious
Bloody management accountants
Pish moan and pish

Gareth1974

3,418 posts

139 months

Tuesday 6th February 2018
quotequote all
Rick101 said:
Bah, not like it used to be in the good old days! furious
Bloody management accountants
Pish moan and pish
Westwood was incredible for the first few years! Lucky to get a sandwich there now.

CanoeSniffer

927 posts

87 months

Wednesday 7th February 2018
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Apprenticeship scheme is fantastic, congratulations. Be prepared to meet an eclectic and varied mix of people, I think some of the guys in my year were in their 40s though so don't worry too much that it'll all be yoof.

Westwood.. Pah, opulence! Back in my day it was crusty shared accommodation that the Navy had deemed uninhabitable years ago, plus the worst food I've ever had the misfortune of eating- great times, I'll never forget the fun I had.

It's a superb way into a bundle of qualifications and a job for life. If you're brave enough then pick up all the competencies you can on NRs buck and then take them contracting, that's where the real money is (though as a wimp I'll be sticking with my fixed workplace and guaranteed hours ta).

By the way, in case you haven't decided for yourself yet.. D&P, OHL or S&T- definitely not P-Way!!!

Harry Biscuit

11,752 posts

230 months

Wednesday 7th February 2018
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CanoeSniffer said:
Apprenticeship scheme is fantastic, congratulations. Be prepared to meet an eclectic and varied mix of people, I think some of the guys in my year were in their 40s though so don't worry too much that it'll all be yoof.

Westwood.. Pah, opulence! Back in my day it was crusty shared accommodation that the Navy had deemed uninhabitable years ago, plus the worst food I've ever had the misfortune of eating- great times, I'll never forget the fun I had.

It's a superb way into a bundle of qualifications and a job for life. If you're brave enough then pick up all the competencies you can on NRs buck and then take them contracting, that's where the real money is (though as a wimp I'll be sticking with my fixed workplace and guaranteed hours ta).

By the way, in case you haven't decided for yourself yet.. D&P, OHL or S&T- definitely not P-Way!!!
Are you still working for NR?

MangledMetal

Original Poster:

104 posts

190 months

Wednesday 7th February 2018
quotequote all
Again, Thankyou for the replies!

I’ve heard many horror stories about this navy base!
One of the lads at my assessment centre was ex Marines or something and was stationed there.
It did come up in conversation several times throuout the day.

I was looking at the S&t side of things I think, with how the worlds changing, I think it’s got to be the way to go!

I’m guessing some of you folks replying have/do work for NR Currently?

sparks85

332 posts

175 months

Wednesday 7th February 2018
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Be careful with S+T. The future is supposed to be in cab signalling (Google ETRTMS) which will reduce the amount of line side infrastructure. This will take ages to implement and how far reaching it will be is debatable. But worth understanding what the future holds if your career path depends on it.

MangledMetal

Original Poster:

104 posts

190 months

Wednesday 7th February 2018
quotequote all
Thankyou!
Yeah, I’ve done a bit of research into that.
To Be fair, it makes perfect sense, using a gps type system. If the system works, decreasing the go between trains allows for more moving metal and less stress on the overcrowded trains.

I shall go into it with open eyes. Many thanks.
But as many have said... I intend to hoover up as many qualifications and training opportunities as possible!

Gareth1974

3,418 posts

139 months

Wednesday 7th February 2018
quotequote all
MangledMetal said:
I’m guessing some of you folks replying have/do work for NR Currently?
I've been on for over 25 years - have done delay attribution, train planning, performance management, engineering access planning (mainly at a strategic level) and I'm now a controller, so if you need any information about any of these fields, feel free to ask.

Vaud

50,482 posts

155 months

Wednesday 7th February 2018
quotequote all
sparks85 said:
Be careful with S+T. The future is supposed to be in cab signalling (Google ETRTMS) which will reduce the amount of line side infrastructure. This will take ages to implement and how far reaching it will be is debatable. But worth understanding what the future holds if your career path depends on it.
I don't know the field, but from a general life skills basis, picking up transferable higher end skills (project management) as well as technology skills that are still emerging and will be used in other countries will also give you global options if you ever want to relocate? Having scarce skills and general skills makes it easier for an employer to sponsor you for a visa should that ever appeal.

old No 1

362 posts

238 months

Wednesday 7th February 2018
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28 years man and boy in the T section of S+T

Left to work in wider industry but most of my friends are still in NR.

Its good company to work for but the paperwork and rule book can drag you down working trackside.

Learn all about signalling do the SMTH course and then go as a contractor and earn the big $$

MangledMetal

Original Poster:

104 posts

190 months

Thursday 15th February 2018
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I really am thankful for for all your replies, and I have digested them all!
I shall take as much as I can, and suck it and see!!

Shultzypaul.... I’ve replied to your email! Any more questions... just ask!!

MangledMetal

Original Poster:

104 posts

190 months

Saturday 17th March 2018
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Well today’s the first day! Wish me luck!
And, Thankyou for the replies!