Day in the life of an apprentice

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve been catching up with some of our apprentices including Level 2 Rail Engineering Operative - Joshua George to learn more about his day-to-day life as an apprentice!

 

Average working day:

• 5 pm – get up, have dinner, and get ready for my shift.
• 10 pm meet at the local depot. Wait for the job to be confirmed. Determine what tools are needed and test them before loading them onto the van.
• 11 pm – drive to site/work location. On arrival, while we are waiting for lines to be confirmed, we are given a full and in-depth safety brief.
• 12 am – lines are available. So, we undertake assigned works.
• 6 am – Finish works, pack up site and return to the local depot.
• 7 am Finish shift and go home.
• 8 am – I eat breakfast soon as I’m home, as I’m starving and then shower, you get so grubby from getting stuck in it’s a must. Then straight to bed.
• Wake up and do it all over again!

 

What led you to apply for an apprenticeship?  

I have always been interested in working in and around the tracks but found it hard to get into the railway industry through other routes. I found out about the McGinley Apprentice route and loved it, getting to earn and learn was the best of both worlds.

 

What advice would you give to someone looking to do an apprenticeship in the construction industry?

Be prepared, it can be a shock at first, with long hours and hard work but you will adjust and adapt to it and actually really enjoy it. Take training seriously and make sure you revise before all your exams. It’s as much about the theory side as the physical side.

 

What are your highlights so far?

• Meeting and working with new people – we really look out for each other.
• Learning new skills and putting them into practice
• Being made Team Leader before completing my apprenticeship
• Receiving the McGinley Apprentice of the month award for January 2023

 

How has McGinley supported you during your apprenticeship?

McGinley has supported me throughout my entire apprenticeship, from the moment I applied, keeping me informed and on track (figuratively and literally). They have a great review process so if something is flagged, we look to improve it together.

 

What do you hope to do after your apprenticeship/what are your future career goals?

I want to stay with McGinley and be on track. Having recently been promoted to Team Leader I intend to build on this and gain new skills and qualifications such as OLEC 1, 2, 3 and eventually 4!