Westwood Accommodation - What is it actually like?

[Edward Cairns]

So I've been debating applying for the September 2020 engineering apprenticeship and I understand that you stay at the training centre for the first 23 weeks.
What is the accommodation actually like, do you only get a bedroom with shared toilet/kitchen areas etc.

Me and my partner also have a child, we've both considered applying for the apprenticeship but will our son be able to stay there or will we just have to get a private rent close to the centre?
thanks

 

[tiptoptaff]

It would help if you were more specific, as there are huge numbers of engineering apprenticeships offered by various TOCs, FOCs, NR and contractors every year

 

[Edward Cairns]

Oops apologies, thought I mention it.
Network Rails engineering apprenticeship, so the accommodation at westwood

 

[ArchieWoodbine]

It's pretty good, but only two weeks is the longest I've been there. It has a good bar, restaurant, gym, sports hall and swimming pool. There's space for lawn activities in the summer and I believe you can hire mountain bikes.

As far as I'm aware, all the rooms are single, en-suite and there are no self-catering facilities. However, whenever I've been there the restaurant is free for staff and very good quality (although I believe the range has decreased in recent years: not so long ago you could have three cooked meals a day!).

I think it pretty unlikely that you'd be able to stay there with a partner and a child - it's just not equipped for families, from what I recall.

It's worth emailing the contact for the apprentice scheme though, to find out for sure.

 

[Ianno87]

I'm there certainly used to be some limited Double rooms available, but doubt a child would be permitted to stay.

Certainly was comfortable when I stayed, each room like a hotel room, but small. All en-suite, food for all meals eaten in the on-site restaurant.