The High Speed Rail Group Apprentice Network is designed to connect apprentices and graduates from across our member companies and provide opportunities for mentoring, networking, meeting other apprentices and sharing experiences and best practice.

We spoke to Apprentice Assistant Technician Menashe Sassoon

Can you describe your role in a few words?
As an Assistant Technician currently in the SYSTRA Civils team, I support engineers and designers by producing models and drawings in Computer Aided Design (CAD) for a whole range of projects.

What were you doing prior to your Apprenticeship?
I was studying and working as a teacher.

What was your perception of the infrastructure sector before you started your apprenticeship?
Before starting my apprenticeship I understood the sector would be a place where I could use my skills to bring out the best in myself and contribute to different projects.

What interested you in joining SYSTRA?
I thought the company would offer me the chance to work on high profile rail projects across the UK.

What are the key things you’ve learnt so far in your job?
I would say the key things for me have been effective communication and time management. Other things I have learnt is the process of a design and the decision making that goes with it.

What is the most exciting part of your role?
Being involved in projects that will contribute to people living better quality lives.

What would you like to do after completing your apprenticeship?
Continue my career until I am chartered using the skills I learn to enable me to bring a valuable contribution to the sector.