L3 Engineering Apprentice

---

Job description

Keeping passengers moving matters

If embracing the latest tech and shaping national rail projects matters to you. You matter to us. Our Level 3 Engineering Apprentices get to team up with experienced engineers at one of our depots, so they can learn what goes into keeping thousands of miles of power lines and tracks up and running, and fit for use.

Whichever area of engineering you specialise in, one thing is guaranteed, you'll be doing work that makes a difference to millions of passengers every day. Do well, and once you've completed your apprenticeship, you can set your sights on an unlimited number of career options, with plenty of opportunity for further training as you progress.

Overview

You need be aged 18 or over on or before 1st May 2022 to apply for this scheme.

Your salary in the first year is £10,609, plus a £1,347 payment for successfully completing year one. Your salary will rise year on year to £16,504 in the third year.

The scheme lasts for three years.

We have a large list of locations, so please check-out the map below to find locations near you

Who you are matters

We look for people who can stand out from the crowd. People who love working in a team, yet have the capability to make judgements based on their own knowledge and experience. Your eye for detail, and the ability to solve problems, will make you a valued member of your team.

You'll find yourself out in all weather, around the clock, seven days a week, so you'll need to be flexible about travelling and working shifts, and be up for working in all conditions. And the health and safety of your colleagues will always be at the forefront of your mind.

Your health and safety will always be at the forefront of our minds too. And because you'll be working in a safety critical environment, around live wires, and on train tracks, we'll ask you to attend a medical before we offer you a place on this scheme. This confidential process will involve hearing and vision checks, alongside establishing any existing medical conditions you may have, or medication you take. If the doctor advises we make adjustments for you after the medical, we will of course try where possible to accommodate this.

What you'll be doing matters

Starting with online learning and visits to your local training centre, before progressing to a placement with an engineering team at your local depot. Here, you'll be given a pathway to specialise in. This will relate to the needs of the depot you've applied to. Potential pathways include:

Track. You'll get hands-on maintaining, inspecting and repairing the track network to keep the railway safe and efficient. You'll gain broad exposure before working through your technical or maintenance grades.

Overhead lines. Keeping 10,000 miles of overhead power lines mechanically sound and in the correct position is challenging. You'll work with high voltage systems, at height and using specialist tools to power the railway.

Signalling. You'll maintain the equipment that moves trains safely in a highly complex and fast-moving environment. One minute you could be working on a major signalling failure, the next supporting a large engineering project.

Telecoms. You'll work on site in equipment rooms and trackside to support a wide range of telecommunications systems. You'll gain experience of copper and fibre optic cables, SDH transmission and Ethernet router systems, GSM track to train radio and other modern IP based voice and data systems.

Distribution and plant. 40% of our network is electrified and 60% of all rail traffic is electric. You'll help keep power flowing safely and efficiently. You'll work on systems with supplies as low as 50 Volts up to and above 33,000 Volts as you maintain and fault-find equipment.

What you'll get out of it matters

After completing the course, you'll not only have your NVQ Level 3 in Railway Engineering, you'll also hold the Institute of Leadership and Management Level 3. You could even have further support and sponsorship from us to attend university and the chance to achieve professional qualifications. Because, when you start your career with an engineering apprenticeship, anything is possible

Your benefits matter

A salary that rises to £16,504 in the third year.

A London allowance worth £3,100pa for those who qualify.

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

5 volunteer days to contribute to your favourite causes.

Access to our employee assistance program, to help you with any finance, family, health or wellbeing issues you have.

Up to 75% discount on rail and underground season tickets.

Discounted online shopping.

Healthcare club membership discount.

Childcare vouchers.

Access to a range of pension and insurance schemes.

Two weeks paid reserve leave for members of our Armed Forces community.

The opportunities it leads to matter

Many of our apprentices go on to hold senior positions within Network Rail, taking on roles such as Programme Managers, Principal Engineers and Maintenance Delivery Managers.

The entry requirements matter

You'll need at least GCSEs in English Language and Science at Grades 9 - 4, Maths at Grade 9 - 5, and one other subject at Grades 9 - 4. Or you'll hold an NVQ or BTEC Level 2 or above in an Engineering subject or equivalents .

We matter to millions. You could too.

When you apply, we will condier you for vacancies at depots within 60 minutes travel time of your current home address. If you wish to be considered for a different geographical area, you'll have the option of letting us know during your application.

The map shows our current open locations.

Can't find a location near you? We will be accepting applications for our Autumn 2022 intake in January 2022

Apply or register your interest

If you like what you've seen please apply here. Don't worry if applications have closed. Yours still matters. So please register your interest in joining one of our schemes here.

Discover a different apprenticeship

If the Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship isn't quite what you're looking for, why not take a look at some of the other opportunities we have. You'll find them here