Blog
Hannah Moody Introductory Blog
Hi, my name is Hannah and I am a Year 1 Signals Apprentice on
Network Rail’s Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme.
This week I have been doing bench fitting in the work shop which
makes a change from being sat down in a classroom doing theory
work. We’re making a ‘G’ clamp and so far so good. It’s tiring, but
nice to be making something instead of learning about it. These
skills will be handy for anyone doing track, and helps the other
trades appreciate one another’s work.
However, the apprenticeship isn’t just about studies and
coursework, it’s also about extra curricular activities. On Sundays
I’ve been going to Swanage Historic Railway to help them relay
track and any other odd jobs they need help with, which I‘ve
enjoyed because it‘s got me out of the base and doing some work
outside with the sun beaming down and the wind keeping us cool.
Since being down at HMS Collingwood in Fareham I’ve taken up
horse riding, and have been hitting the gym more than I ever did at
home (though it’s always easier to go to the gym if you’ve got some
good friends to go with, and some loud music to zone out to). I’ve
also used my X-box 360 more, such as on Saturdays where I team up
with my roommates and blast our way through a zombie apocalypse on
Left For Dead 2. The guys have also been known to have Halo matches
with as many people as they can nab who have X-boxes and a copy of
the game.
The Network Rail Apprentice rugby team had a match against the
United Services in Portsmouth this week. Sadly I missed this event,
which a lot of the Apprentices went to support, due to horse
riding; however I hear that it was brilliant match. We also
recently planned and conducted a Burn’s Night dinner where about 40
of the Apprentices ate haggis, neaps and tatties, whilst listening
to a Scotsman in a kilt playing the bagpipes!
Thursdays consist of Ladies recreational Activities, where Janet
(one of our Leisure & Recreation instructors), sets out to
surprise the girls by taking us to do a different activity each
week. Since sometimes it’s just great to spend time with the girls
and get away from everything else and just have fun this can
include all manner of activities including sports, yoga or even
just going for a stroll along the beach.
Hannah
Year 1 Signals Apprentice