Duncan Whittle
Home town and county: Reading, Berkshire
Depot to be based at: Reading
Specialism: Electrification & Plant
Q: Why did you apply to join the scheme?
“After previous experience of an apprenticeship scheme, I have learnt that they are a brilliant way to gain a qualification and learn a trade with a good mixture of practical experience and academic learning. Whilst searching for engineering apprenticeship schemes, Network Rail jumped out at me. It is a nationally known company that is going through a massive modernisation and expansion period. I believe this is an exciting time to be part of a company such as this and see a bright future within this industry.”
Q: What have you learnt that will help you as you step into the real workplace for the first time?
“Coming into this apprenticeship I had no prior knowledge or experience with electrics and electronics and so it has been a steep learning curve. I have picked up many skills from the practical side of the course and have learnt so much about electrics and machinery from the academic training. In particular what I’ve learnt about motors and generators should help me greatly when I start work at my depot – I can’t wait.”
