Apprentice scheme: Network Rail have some new technicians in training in Lincoln.
Network Rail have hired six apprentices to work on railway lines around Lincoln and county as part of its nationwide scheme.
The apprentices have just finished training at HMS Sultan’s engineering training facility in Hampshire — Europe’s biggest.
They will be specialising in track, signalling, telecoms and electrification and plant, and over the next two years work under supervision as they become maintenance technicians.
Sophie Fardell (pictured), 20, is a Network Rail apprentice based in Lincoln. She explained why she joined the scheme:
“I wanted a job that would enable me to build a career for myself.
“I learn better from practical learning and so an apprenticeship in engineering seemed to be the best option for me to learn while on the job and earning so I could support myself.”
Route infrastructure maintenance director Paul Rutter said: “Getting out on the railway, learning on-the job, responding to incidents and gaining experience from our specialists is a vital part of our apprenticeship.
“Every day they will be part of a team making sure we get three million people to work and home again. It’s rewarding and of great value to Britain.
“The railway is becoming ever more popular and we have big plans for making it more reliable, efficient and better value for money; our apprentices will play a big role in that.”
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