We spoke to Muhammad Isa, a Signalling Engineering Apprentice at Alstom.
Can you describe your role in a few words?
I am a multi-disciplinary apprentice engineer who interfaces across the different disciplines on railway signalling renewal/enhancement projects to ensure safe and on-time delivery.
What were you doing prior to your Apprenticeship?
I was a college, studying A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology.
What was your perception of the sector before you started your apprenticeship?
Prior to joining the rail industry I had very little knowledge of how the industry was operated and therefore did not have a strong perception of the sector.
What interested you in joining Alstom?
The thing that first caught my eye was that Alstom offered a decent paid degree apprenticeship in engineering. As a researched further I found they are a leading rail technology company across the globe and I would have the opportunity to learn and excel in my career.
What are the key things you’ve learnt so far in your job?
I am learning a lot about rail and signalling, including how to raise questions and/ or concerns. I am also learning a lot about how to find a good balance between my work, university and life.
What is the most exciting part of your role?
I find interfacing across multiple disciplines and solving problems in order to deliver signalling a really exciting element to my job.
Have you worked on the HS2 project through your apprenticeship?
No I have not worked on HS2.
What would you like to do after completing your apprenticeship?
I’d like to work as a fully qualified and competent project engineer on signalling delivery projects.