Life as an Apprentice Technician
with West Midlands Railway
At West
Midlands Railway we aim to
inspire the next generation of engineers through our industry-leading and
hugely successful Apprentice Technician scheme - in partnership with Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet).
Our engineering apprenticeships allow people who are new to engineering to earn as they learn, get practical based training, meet new friends and work with industry professionals.
We caught up with Engineering Apprentice and Female Apprentice of the Year, Rio Pearce, on her time as an Apprentice Technician at West Midlands Railway and how she became a member of our railway family. Here is what she had to say.
Q&A with Apprentice
Technician – Rio Pearce
Why did you want to join West Midlands Railway as an apprentice?
“I wanted to join West Midlands
Railway as an apprentice because the apprenticeship opportunity looked very
attractive. I was also interested in joining a larger company as it offers
multiple opportunities to learn from others who are experts in their industry.
I have also heard that West
Midlands Railway is a great place to work, so I didn’t want to miss the chance
to be part of an inclusive company that wants to see people succeed.”
What do you enjoy most about being an apprentice?
“The thing I enjoy most about being an apprentice is learning. Every day I learn something new, and I love knowing that I am making progress. My apprenticeship takes me on a journey every day and it is great knowing that my knowledge of the industry is expanding every time I step into work.”
What is it like being a female apprentice in an industry that is
considered to be male dominated?
“I don’t think being a female
apprentice is much different from being a male apprentice. I get on with
everyone really well, there’s no stereotyping, everyone is super friendly, and
we all treat each other equally and with respect.”
What would you say to young women who are interested in the railway?
I would say to anyone who wants to get into engineering or the railway to go for it! If it is something you are interested in and is something you are willing to learn, then an apprenticeship can open several doors for you. Not only do I find it fun, but it is also a brilliant career.
How can you apply to become an
Apprentice Technician.
West
Midlands Railway are currently recruiting four Apprentice Technicians to join
their team based at Tyseley in the West Midlands.
The chosen
apprentices will be responsible for help keeping the railway running - ensuring
our trains are safe for passenger service. Some of these duties include
repairing, overhauling, and modifying our trains, as well as undergoing safety
inspections and writing reports.
It is an
exciting time to join the railway industry, with a new fleet in operation and
new ones on the way, you will be at the centre of the railway industry.
So, if you are inquisitive, creative and a collaborative
worker, why not apply to become an Apprentice Technician? To find out more
about the scheme, visit West
Midlands Railway’s Apprenticeship webpage.
