Associate Sponsor Review

My time at Network Rail has been really enjoyable, there have been many different opportunities and variety within my role which I love, and a chance to develop my skills. Since the start of the placement I have interacted with many stakeholders, participated in, and arranged meetings, been on site visits and more. The rail industry is so vast and there is always something new to learn and try out, I feel like my commercial awareness has increased while working at Network Rail.

I feel incredibly valued by my colleagues and I have been given large projects over the year. Everyone was willing to show me what they do and let me help, where I can see the benefit of my input. Also, I received feedback through the year and at the end of the placement my colleagues said they really appreciated my help this year.

Everyone is keen to help you with anything and I never felt silly asking questions. I had regular 1 to 1's every month and had a mentor and a line manager who were both really helpful. Additionally, I had mid- year and year reviews of my progress and any future goals.

It depends on where you are with each project, on some days I wouldn't have much to do, then on other days I would have a lot to do. It was a nice balance because it meant I could explore different departments when I had some downtime on my projects.

I was given a lot of responsibility, my biggest project was a £1.5million to improve facilities at a local station. I couldn't have asked for anything more as I was trusted with many projects, all different stages and sizes. However, there is enough support if needed, you aren't just left to do it all alone.

I have greatly developed my confidence, communication, organisational skills and work ethic through the year, this will help me in my studies and when I do essays. Also, I have learnt how to balance work and university essays and reports and this will help with any future job and university.

Very chilled, everyone is really friendly and you can chat to your work colleagues whenever you liked. Also, we have been out quite a few times as a team which is fun. There is dress- down Friday every week which is even more chill as you can wear what you want.

When I arrived my team already had a laptop and phone set up for me. I received some PPE but other items didn't arrive, but you can borrow them when you need them. There was an induction with all the other Year in Industry students on your first week which was helpful too as you don't feel like you're starting alone. However, you do need to be proactive and ask for what you want as there is unlikely to be a year's worth of work waiting for you.

There was a training module for my area that was cancelled and never rearranged. There was also other training days and courses you can do online. There is better opportunities on the graduate scheme as you can work towards a qualification and Network Rail can help you with funds towards other qualifications.

Very good, I have already been offered a graduate position within Network Rail and I am planning to start back next September. When you do a year in industry with Network Rail, it's a really good chance to get onto the graduate scheme, as long as you prove you want the job and you're enthusiastic to work.

We sometimes had lunch and chatted but it's what you make of it really. Network Rail won't organise anything specific, you will need to just meet up yourselves, however, a lot of the other students are keen to meet each other too so it's not hard to make new friends.

I lived at home with my parents, however, if you're moving to Manchester then expect city prices of living. Socialising is good as there are so many restaurants and food places in Manchester. Also, Piccadilly station is amazing for freebies so make sure you walk through there every so often.

Manchester is a good area for Nightlife, there are a range of different clubs for everyone and it's always a bustling city. As it's a big city you can't really go wrong with it or ask for more, plus it isn't as expensive as London and you can get a few happy hours in certain bars.

There aren't loads of clubs but if you have a look around there are a few things you can join in with. The main one is a charity boxing match that Network Rail have held for 3 years, you get free training for 12 weeks with other colleagues in preparation for fight night.