Fifteen years ago, Jay Carroll was struggling to make ends meet after being made homeless at the age of 16. But a Network Rail apprenticeship helped him build a long and enduring career on the railway …
A new beginning
Jay initially sofa-surfed as he tried to continue studying for his A-Levels. This wasn’t sustainable so he made the tough decision to leave school and work full time. A friend’s mother heard and invited him over one evening to explain the benefits of apprenticeships.
Jay said: “She had printed out a number of adverts, one of which was the Network Rail apprenticeship. It stood out particularly as it offered a residential part of the course.”
Jay decided to apply, and it ended up changing his life. Network Rail invited him to a medical assessment at London Euston after passing the first two stages of the application process.
He said: “I couldn’t afford the train, so I got the Megabus to Victoria [Coach Station] and walked from there. I was a little late.
“The nurse asked why I didn’t just get the Tube and I explained I couldn’t afford it. She rumbled around in her purse and gave me a £2 coin and apologised that that was all she had.”
Starting the Level 3 Railway Engineering apprenticeship was the beginning of a new chapter for Jay. He said: “It was great. I had access to a wardrobe for the first time since leaving home. Pool, gym, room and food were all included in the apprenticeship.”
Jay qualified in 2011 and has worked roles with including an operative, asset engineer, project manager and – today – a senior asset engineer.
An education with us
We sponsored Jay’s further education beginning with a foundation degree at Sheffield Hallam University. Jay went onto a Level 7 Principal Engineering apprenticeship, which includes a master’s degree from the University of Birmingham.
Jay said: “I never thought that I would go to university. I never thought it was possible given where I started from. It has changed my life.
“Network Rail are fantastic at investing in their people. I joined with GCSEs and if I ever left, I’d be leaving with a massive amount of education that I never expected to get in the first place.
“And all of it has been free of charge … To be paid to learn is a wonderful privilege.”
Jay even described the apprenticeships as “an amazing engine for social mobility”.
He said: “I can’t think of another mechanism that allows someone to go from the situation I was in, to the situation I am in now, other than an apprenticeship.”
Apprenticeships aren’t just for those of school leaving age, anyone can apply for one at Network Rail.
A bright future
Jay said: “Both my apprenticeships changed my life in different ways.”
“My Level 3 gave me the opportunity to have a career for life, become a homeowner and go on to study at university. And my Level 7 apprenticeship unlocked the next level of personal and professional development. I now have the opportunity to become a chartered engineer and strive for senior leadership roles in the future.”
An apprenticeship at Network Rail offers more than just an education. You’ll receive expert training, earn while you learn and develop skills for life.
Click here to learn about the broad range of apprenticeships we offer.