Mature Apprentice - Job Security Vs Pathway choices

[everson38]

Hi.all

New to the forum

I’ve been offered two apprenticeship opportunities — one in Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) maintenance and another in Light Rail (Metro) maintenance. Taking the hypothetical mindset that due to future cuts I was made redundant from either industry.

I know that people with HGV or automotive experience often transition into the rail industry. But I’m unsure if the reverse is true — would a background in light rail make it easy to move into HGV or automotive work later on?

Basically, I’m trying to figure out which path is more flexible and future-proof. In case I ever need to switch industries down the line?

Any insight from people who’ve made the switch (in either direction) would be really helpful.

Thank you

.

 

[Error404]

Rail will open more opportunities for you. It will also pay better. Opportunities can include Training, Safety, Management, Planning, Engineering (including sponsorship for degrees), Shunting and depot operations. Familiarity in rail can also assist in interviews to become Groundstaff, Shunt Driver and of course Train Driver.

HGV will give you more working locations if you wish to move (as there are more HGV repair shops than train maintenance depots). Climate policies are encouraging a growth in things like rail freight which is enticing more companies to haul via Rail rather than road to ease congestion, pollution etc. This may have an effect on HGV jobs.

 

[everson38]

Hello my friend, thank you for having you input I appreciate you taking the time, I have decided to go into rail, the people and environment was such a positive place.mixed with high efficiency, it really spoke to me. So embarking upon a new journey and looking forward to it.

Wanted to ask, I am really committed to this now and want to be the best I can be, do you know of any resources that I can use to learn about;

1) Team and Rail infrastructure - to get a better understanding of what the history and make up of rail is.

2) Techncian Learning (Maintenance) - I believe this i the path I want to go down, but I am open, but are there any YouTubers or resources that would aid me in become a top technician in my learning apprenticeship phase.

3) Job type - which are best for hours, progression, salary etc?

And anything else you may suggest as a good read or watch?

Thank you.