Get a foot through the door of a company with an apprenticeship!
At London Northwestern Railway we aim to inspire the next generation to get involved in the railway. One route into a career on the tracks is through a number of apprenticeship schemes on offer.
We caught up with Engineering Apprentice, Laura Bogojevic, on her apprenticeship and how she became a member of our railway family. Here is what she had to say?
Tell us a little bit about your job role?
As an Engineering Apprentice, my basic duty is to fix and maintain the trains. For example, this includes changing the brake pads, testing brake actuators, changing the fuel and fuel filters, checking the trains doors and everything in between. Overall, I make sure the train is suitable for passengers and safe to use.
How did you come to apply for an apprenticeship?
One of my first roles was working in retail, but it was not something I was passionate about. I really wanted to excel in a career that would nurture my passions and help me be successful. I decided to investigate apprenticeship opportunities and first came across the Engineering Apprenticeship on the Government’s website where I applied.
After I submitted my application, I got contacted by BMet College as they organised the apprenticeship. I was keen to find out more, so I attended an open day at the college which gave me great insight into what I would be learning for the next two years. This made me want the apprenticeship even more.
Shortly after the open day, I took an exam to qualify for the apprenticeship. I was ecstatic to find out that I passed and was eligible to go through to the interview stages at London Northwestern Railway. The rest is history!
What is it like being a female apprentice in an industry that is considered to be male-dominated?
I think being a female apprentice is very similar to being a male apprentice, we are not treated any differently and get taught the same. On the odd occasion, the physical lifting can be more challenging as I am not as physically strong as some of my male colleagues; but we work together and help each other out when needed. We’re like our own little family! I just hope more women will step forward as apprentices in this industry, not only for themselves but to help encourage more women to consider a career in the railway.
Would you recommend more women to join an apprenticeship?
I would definitely recommend more women to join an apprenticeship as I think it is a great opportunity to kick start your career without having to go to university. It’s also a really good way to get your head into a business and get your foot through the door of a company.
An apprenticeship allows you to make a name for yourself by learning as well as working. So yes, I would 100% recommend more women to apply for an apprenticeship.
If you are interested in joining an apprenticeship on the railway, you can sign up for career alerts . Or consider joining a college that promotes our railway apprenticeships. The main providers we work with are BMet for engineering apprenticeships and Train’dUp for train driver apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship recruitment usually takes place in May. So, keep an eye out for any opportunities coming your way!