Rail Engineering Apprentice

BUSINESS FUNCTION:Engineering

GRADE:Rail Engineering Apprentice

SALARY: 19885 per annum (starting rate) increasing annually

ROLE TYPE:On site

HOURS:35 per week

People rely on Northern trains every day to get to work see family explore the North and everything in between. Keeping those trains safe reliable and ready to run takes skilled engineers behind the scenes and thats where you come in.

As a Rail Engineering Apprentice youd be part of the teams who maintain and repair our trains at our TrainCare Centres. This three year programme lets you earn while you learn build hands-on engineering skills and find your platform in a career that can take you in many directions across the railway.

If you enjoy understanding how things work solving problems and being part of a close-knit team this is a practical future-focused way to get your foot on the railway.

What youll be doing

Over three years youll combine college learning with real-world experience supported by our Engineering Apprenticeship Manager our expert trainers and engineers. Youll be:

• Learning how to maintain inspect and repair trains safely and efficiently
• Gaining hands-on experience with traction and rolling stock systems
• Working alongside experienced engineers at your home TrainCare Centre
• Building your technical knowledge in mechanical and electrical engineering
• Developing the skills and evidence needed to complete your End Point Assessment
• Following safety rules and procedures that keep you and others safe
• Youll study towards a Level 3 qualification in Rail Engineering Technician delivered in partnership with Myerscough College in Preston and the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR) in Northampton.

How the apprenticeship works

Years 1:Youll spend the school terms living and studying at Myerscough College in Preston working towards your Level 2 qualification. Accommodation is provided and paid for at the college by Northern. When youre not at college youll be based at your TrainCare Centre following a structured learning plan with the Engineering Trainers and Engineering ApprenticeshipManager.

Year 2 & 3:Youll be fully embedded in your TrainCare Centre team building hands-on experience and completing your portfolio ready for your End Point Assessment.

About you

You dont need to know everything already. Curiosity commitment and a genuine interest in engineering matter most. Youll bring:

• An interest in mechanical and electrical engineering... thats the spark were looking for!
• A willingness to learn ask questions and get stuck in
• The ability to work well as part of a team and communicate clearly
• A safety-first mindset and the ability to follow rules and procedures

Youll also need:

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs (achieved or predicted) at grades 9 to 5 (or A to C) including Maths English Science and two others
• To live within a 45-minute drive of your home TrainCare Centre
• Normal colour vision
• To be at least 15 years old when you apply and 16 years old by 01/09/2026. No maximum age
• You must not be in education after01/09/2026
• If you already have any engineering qualifications let us know the level key modules and grades in your application.
• Because this is a safety-critical role the selection process includes a medical assessment covering general health ECG vision hearing colour vision and drugs and alcohol testing.

Where this could take you

By the end of the programme youll have a Level 3 qualification with the skills confidence and experience to step into a range of engineering roles at Northern. Many apprentices apply for Maintenance Engineer positions while others find their platform in technical specialisms leadership pathways production environments or safety-critical roles that help shape how our railway runs.

For most people this is just the beginning. Our apprentices often choose to stay with Northern to building long-term careers opening doors across the business and growing into roles that make a real difference to the future of rail in the North.

Whats in it for you

At Northern we dont just value our people we go the extra mile to support them. Heres a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you your partner and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing Northern Perks has you covered.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family lifestyle and more.
• Training and Career Development: Tailored training recognised qualifications and clear career pathways across the business.
• Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate great work every day.

Why Northern

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern were building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process if you need them. Were also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer so if you meet the minimum criteria well offer you an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to help remove unconscious bias and make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers are subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background experience or whether you call it a bap barm or cob theres a place for you here on the railway.