Role: Track Engineer Degree Apprentice

Career Area: Engineering Design 

Current Study Level: Degree Apprenticeship

Location: Manchester

My role at SYSTRA

I work as a Track Engineer assistant technician in the Track team at SYSTRA, which is a role supported by my degree. With this comes a plethora of responsibilities and activities I undertake daily, the fundamental being railway track design. I contribute by producing technical drawings and models through the use of CAD, which is a 2D and 3D modelling software. Along with this, I have picked up some work as a model manager, where I collaborate with other disciplines, such as civil engineering, ensuring there is no issues with our workflows. 

On a day-to-day basis, I attend collaborative meetings within the Track team, discussing any updates on the project and task assignment. I will then update my personal task checklist and begin any work I have on, or pick up something new. This work could be running clearances to ensure a train does not strike any stationary objects it passes by on our new design, or using Bentley Rail Track to generate a visual track design from our calculated dimensions – no two days are ever the same. 

Overall, my position at SYSTRA is to help deliver successful and accurate designs alongside the engineers, senior engineers and contractors. 

Why I chose a degree apprenticeship

Throughout secondary school I always had a passion for maths and physics, from the mechanics behind things, all the way to astrophysics. Coming out of my GCSEs with 9s, I was able to pursue my Sixth Form subjects of Maths, Physics and Geography. I wanted to go into a career surrounded by physics, and what better pathway than engineering. I wanted a degree; however, I didn’t want to go down the traditional university route.

I had already heard of degree apprenticeships, so from there my mind was set on one. SYSTRA’s apprenticeship route offered everything I was looking for – engineering and a degree whilst obtaining five years of work experience in the process. The interview process was straightforward, although I did a lot of preparation for it beforehand. 

We asked Alex…
How have your technical skills developed throughout your apprenticeship?

My technical skills have developed significantly throughout my apprenticeship. I am competent in using complex software such as CAD tools and Visual Basic for Excel. Along with this, my understanding of railway engineering principles has deepened, as has my overall thought process that now stems from a safety-first approach. 

How have you grown personally through doing an apprenticeship?

Doing an apprenticeship forces you to get on track with your life, as time keeping and planning are essential. I have grown massively in both maturity and professionalism, ensuring punctuality and dedication to the best of my ability.  

What advice would you offer to someone who’s unsure if an apprenticeship is right for them?

Consider your priorities. Many students go down the traditional university route for the sake of a student life, however I believe coming out of it in debt with no work experience is a huge drawback. With a degree apprenticeship, you can still live your student life when on ‘block release’, spending the week at university, however you are also earning a wage, gaining extremely valuable work experience and growing as a professional. 

How does SYSTRA stand out as a great place to work?

SYSTRA offers support with everything you do. When I first joined I was assigned a ‘buddy’, who helps me with everything to do with university, professional registration and day-to-day work. A buddy can help keep you on track, and you won’t feel as much like you’ve been thrown in at the deep end when you first join. 

What’s your favourite thing about your job right now?

Currently, I am enjoying my work on the TransPennine Route Upgrade, which takes up my day-to-day work life. Specifically, I am working on producing and amending technical drawings that will be used for construction of the tracks. 

Diversity is powerful. What unique perspective do you offer as an apprentice?

I am passionate about automation and advancing the technologies used within the company. I believe that innovation equals growth, and streamlining processes allows for a focus on quality.  

What would an entirely green future look like? How should our industry contribute?

An entirely green future prioritises sustainability, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The rail industry can contribute through the use of a technology that interests me a lot – Maglev trains. These are trains that use powerful magnets to lift and propel vehicles, eliminating friction. They are powered by electricity, which as we know can be sourced from renewable energy like solar, wind or hydropower to drastically reduce carbon emissions. 

You can spend your lunchbreak with anyone you admire – who would you choose?

David Goggins – it’s all about mentality!  

What is your next big career goal?

Transitioning into project management and beginning my journey into the Senior Leadership Team. 

What excites you about your career future?

The idea of managing, whether a project or employees, along with being in a senior position. 

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