I’m Joshua, I’m 20, and I’m a Rail Engineering Technician Apprentice at Southern Railway. I’ve been here just over two years and I’ve recently started the third year of my four-year apprenticeship. It’s gone by quickly, probably because no two days ever feel the same.
That’s the thing I enjoy most about this job, every day brings something different. One morning I might be looking at a toilet system, the next I’m learning about underframes or wheelsets. There’s so much variety in what we do, and I think people would be surprised at just how many different systems we work on. It means I’m always learning and always practising new skills, which keeps things interesting.
The people I work with make a big difference too. Everyone here is friendly and always willing to help. When you’re learning, that support matters. I’ve picked up so much from the engineers around me, and they genuinely want apprentices to grow and gain confidence.
My first year on the programme was spent learning the basics. We covered electrical and mechanical principles, working from technical drawings, and learning how to use Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Once I started in the depots, everything became much more hands-on. That’s when the train-specific training began, and when I really started to understand how all the different systems come together.
Teamwork is a huge part of the job. Communication is key, especially when there are several people working on different parts of the same train. A brake test is a good example. Someone sits in the cab operating the brakes while someone else is underneath checking how they respond. We communicate so we know what’s happening both above and below the train. It’s all about staying safe and getting the job done properly.
One moment I’m really proud of was when a unit came in on a Friday needing a repair. We took it apart, lifted it and spent a whole week repairing it. By the following Friday, it was ready to go. Watching it leave the depot knowing we’d played a part in getting it back into service felt great.
I’ve always been interested in engineering, from mechanical and electrical to hydraulics and pneumatics. This apprenticeship gives me the chance to learn skills in all those areas and figure out what I enjoy most. There are also plenty of opportunities to move into different roles later on, whether that’s technical or management.
If you’re interested in engineering, I’d honestly say go for it. You learn so many different skills here and you’re surrounded by people who will support you through every stage. The best part of the job is seeing the trains we’ve worked on in service, moving safely, and helping passengers get to where they need to be. It’s a great feeling knowing you’ve played a part in that.
