George Saunders, a Cubic Associate Commissioning Engineer, has grown from an apprentice to an Associate Commissioning Engineer supporting one of the world’s busiest transport networks. Throughout his apprenticeship, he has played a key role in maintaining and upgrading essential systems across London Underground and National Rail, including major projects that improve the passenger experience. He reflects on the skills he has developed, the challenges he has overcome, and the guidance that shaped his journey at Cubic—while offering valuable advice for future apprentices looking to follow a similar path.
1. Can you describe your role at Cubic and how it supports the UK transport network?
I began as a Field Service Engineer out on London Underground and National Rail stations, finding and rectifying faults in different types of ticket gates and passenger-operated machines (POM). In my role supporting the transport network, I helped keep passengers moving safely and quickly through London. I then spent 6 months with the installation Team working on the contactless Pin Entry Device project, enabling all ticket machines on the underground to offer contactless payment methods, making it quicker and easier to buy tickets and travel. I now work as an associate commissioning engineer in the installation department, installing equipment and bringing it live to working stations.
2. What achievements during your apprenticeship are you most proud of?
Getting through college with good grades, helping on multiple projects to deliver new equipment, becoming a first aider, and being offered a job before my apprenticeship end date.
3. What knowledge or skills have you developed most during your apprenticeship?
I have definitely improved my social skills working in a very public environment and have gained extensive knowledge in the electrical and mechanical environment.
4. What challenges during the apprenticeship have helped you grow the most?
When I was attending college, there was an untold amount of work. Although I always completed the work on time, it was challenging as I was working full-time. This taught me how to balance my time well.
5. What valuable feedback have you received from your managers and colleagues at Cubic that you have applied?
My apprenticeship manager was always a great help with my college life and life in Cubic; any feedback was always constructive and helped me progress quickly through Cubic. When colleagues give me feedback or show me a new job, it’s always good, as there is often more than one way to do a job. Knowing more than one way helped me considerably.
6. How do you see your career progressing after your apprenticeship?
I now work full-time at Cubic while completing my apprenticeship, so I hope to stay with the company and keep progressing through the business.
7. What advice would you give to a new apprentice joining the team?
Never be afraid to ask questions; when you are learning, no question is silly or wrong.
In Cubic, there are always people to help you when you are stuck, so never be afraid to pick up a phone and call someone; help is always available.
Always stay on top of any college work or projects that managers or the college assign you, as this will help considerably, otherwise you will spend a lot of time catching up while being given additional work.