Checking in with one of our Rail apprentices

This week marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week, a celebration that highlights the importance of the next generation as they take the first steps in their new careers. It’s also an excellent opportunity to highlight the benefits that apprenticeships provide for not just the apprentices themselves, but also the employers who welcome them into their organisations as companies are given the opportunity to introduce talented, aspiring professionals into their workforce and give them the tools and support they need to flourish in their roles, delivering a mutually beneficial arrangement for all involved.

Last year, our Rail team were delighted to bring Kenzie Mellor into the fold, joining the team as a Rail Apprentice Administrator and has been working closely with internal and external planners to help us continue to deliver our services to clients at the high standards they’ve come to expect from us.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Kenzie to discuss how her apprenticeship is progressing and the value she has found through the programme.

Can you tell us about your experience being an apprentice so far Kenzie?

My experience so far as an apprentice has been brilliant, I have received the help and support from staff that I require to be successful in my apprenticeship. I have also been mentored and supported with many tasks and shown things I am required to know for my job role, this has ensured I am more confident and can do things independently.

How do you feel that your apprenticeship has helped you develop, either personally or professionally?

During my apprenticeship, I have already gained more confidence and have become more organised. This is due to having to keep up to date with emails and checking multiple spreadsheets daily. By doing this, it has taught me new skills – for example how to use Excel, being professional when sending emails and answering phone calls.

How have you balanced your day-to-day work responsibilities alongside the theoretical learning required as part of your apprenticeship?

I have balanced my work responsibilities and college work by giving myself 6 hours a week during work hours to complete this. I ensure that tasks I need to complete for work are completed and, on a day where I am not busy, I will make time to complete college work. This ensures that I am not stressed with college work and my normal work as I give myself enough time to complete both.

How has the experience been getting to collaborate with other team members throughout your apprenticeship?

I have received a vast amount of help and support from other team members during my apprenticeship so far. By forming relationships with team members, this has allowed me to keep a positive attitude at work as the work environment itself is positive.

In what ways do you think National Apprenticeship Week supports and promotes opportunities for aspiring apprentices?

National Apprenticeship Week allows businesses and apprentices to come together, and it really highlights the importance of apprenticeships and the impact they have on individuals and businesses. By having a week dedicated to apprenticeships it really highlights how valuable apprenticeships are and the positive effect they have on careers and individuals.

We’re extremely pleased to hear about how well Kenzie has settled into the team and how her apprenticeship is setting her up with the proper skills to establish a successful, rewarding career in the rail industry. We’re always looking to hear from individuals who are eager to get their foot in the door in the rail industry, so if you or someone you know is interested in hearing about future openings within our team, please email a copy of your CV to us at Rail@nrl.co.uk.