During last year's National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke with Robert Dempsey who was midway through his rail apprenticeship with Coyle Rail. Now, as Robert reaches his completion date, we spoke to him once again to learn about his final reflections, the challenges he's overcome, and what comes next.
Over the past 12 months, Coyle Rail have invested in early careers by providing training to 44 individuals, 10 of whom were under the age of 25. For Robert, an apprenticeship provided him with a foot through the door and his candid responses offer a valuable insight for anyone considering an apprenticeship in the rail industry.
How does it feel to have finally completed your apprenticeship?
"It's definitely a relief! I can breathe again, knowing that I can return my full focus back to ongoing trackwork projects, as well as having a bit more of my own personal downtime."
What were the benefits of continuing to work on the railway while undergoing the latter stages of your apprenticeship?
"Continuing to work on the tracks while studying helped me to better understand different job scenarios; which really helped correlate to the coursework and write-ups that I was doing. It broadened my mindset to think more openly, whilst supporting my self-development, growth and on-the-job skills."
How has your role changed now that the apprenticeship phase has ended?
"Thanks to my willingness to learn and grow whilst working alongside Network Rail colleagues, I've been lucky enough to assist with other tasks that not even other members of my own gang, or even some Network Rail staff have previously carried out. It's a nice addition to my bow of learning and has helped me to gain experience in new areas."
Do you feel more confident or trusted on site compared to when you first started the apprenticeship?
"100%! Of course, already possessing some track experience prior to starting the course helped and luckily I've mostly been based at the same depot, which has allowed me to build that rapport with Network Rail colleagues and our Coyle crew gang. Nonetheless, I'm now a trusted and reliable member of the team who is capable of carrying out tasks and manager duties."
Have supervisors or colleagues noticed a difference in your knowledge or capability since completing the course content?
"I'd like to think so, but knowledge is growth and every day is still a learning day on the railway. There's so much information to take in that you cannot physically remember without cross-referencing your peers, rulebooks, standards, procedures and any safety and compliance updates that follow."
Now that the apprenticeship is coming to an end, what are your short-term career goals within the rail industry?
"I haven't fully decided just yet. I need to wait for the final sign-off before thinking about anything specific, but I do love being on track and the camaraderie of the team I work with."
Looking back, what do you think has been the biggest personal change since starting the apprenticeship?
"I guess remaining thick-skinned and overcoming obstacles, but also trying my best to persevere through the course, regardless of the challenges that have come my way, both through work and my personal life.
I sadly lost my mum in May 2025. She was diagnosed with leukaemia, among other terminal illnesses, at the start of my apprenticeship in early 2023, so the journey for me has been testing with its ups and downs, both physically and mentally. I was assisting with medical appointments and being admitted to hospital for periods of time. My mum, like any parent, wanted to ensure I continued and didn't give up, as she knew the qualification is a natural stepping stone for my career within the railway industry."
Is there anything you know now that you wish you'd known at the very beginning of the apprenticeship?
"Not really. I had less experience in certain areas at the start, and this course covered an array of aspects on the railway between each module that I wouldn't have known about in that period. If I'd known it all in advance, the only bonus would have been allowing me to complete each coursework assignment more quickly, I guess."
Would you still recommend this apprenticeship route to others now that you've nearly completed it, and why?
"Yes, absolutely! It helps you to look at areas that you're not normally focusing on in your day-to-day work, and it brings various attributes of the railway all together. As long as you can stay focused and put in the time and effort to meet the deadlines around your personal life and work shifts, then you know it'll be worth the blood, sweat and tears."
Robert's journey through the Coyle Rail apprenticeship programme demonstrates not only technical growth but remarkable personal resilience. His story demonstrates that apprenticeships are about developing the strength, adaptability, and determination needed to succeed in any career.
As Robert moves forward into the next chapter of his career, his story will inspire others considering an apprenticeship in the rail industry. We're proud to have supported him on this journey and look forward to seeing where his rail career takes him next.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in Rail, get in touch with a member of our team today to learn more about the possibility of a rail apprenticeship.