I came from 'off the street' when I joined...sat in a class with people who were throwing around train acronyms for fun...at the time I even had to ask what the 3rd rail was! But after I spoke up that I had no train knowledge, others opened up too! And as previously stated, if you take notes in class and apply yourself at a normal standard, and do some after school revision back at the hotel and go to your simulator sessions...the course is fine! I too was worried about losing the job and being unemployed...guys don't worry. They want you to pass and have a career...network rail invest ALOT of money to each candidate, it's in their best interest you pass, but they won't do it without you applying yourself and working hard.
Another great bit of advice - set up a WhatsApp group the first week you are there...then when going over your notes, ask questions, test your colleagues and don't struggle in silence!
Good luck to all going through it, or due to start soon!
This is a fantastic response TRain87
For someone starting next month this is exactly what I was hoping someone would say so thanks