Rail Apprenticeship On Track Engineering Technician

Programme title: Rail Apprenticeship - On Track Engineering Technician
Level: 7
Salary: 17293

Location: Rutherglen Scotland
Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 72271

Kickstart an exciting engineering career that helps keep Scotlands railways moving. On this fouryear Rail Apprenticeship youll gain the knowledge skills and practical experience needed to maintain and repair our fleet of ontrack machines (OTMs) which play a critical role in ensuring the rail network remains safe reliable and efficient.

About the programme

Our On Track Engineering Technician Apprenticeship offers a structured blend of academic learning and practical experience within railway engineering. Youll play a part in maintaining and operating essential ontrack machinery that supports national rail infrastructure and helps keep services running smoothly for customers and the public.

Your first six months will be spent fulltime at college where youll build a strong foundation in engineering principles systems and safety. After this initial phase your learning continues through a mix of onsite practical training and one day per week of college study.

Day to day youll shadow experienced engineers and fitters gradually taking on supervised tasks such as routine inspections system checks basic repairs and operational support across a range of OTMs. Youll also take part in safety briefings planned maintenance diagnostic activities and exercises designed to help you understand how faults are identified and resolved.

Throughout the programme youll gain exposure to a wide variety of engineering work including machine calibration tracksurveying support asset maintenance and reliability improvement projects. Youll work directly on Babcocks specialist fleet gaining experience with the equipment used to maintain measure and adjust track infrastructure across the rail network.

By the end of the apprenticeship youll have developed strong mechanical electrical and hydraulic engineering knowledge as well as skills in faultfinding maintenance safe working practices communication and teamwork. Along the way youll also gain important professional behaviours including problemsolving attention to detail and a clear focus on safety.

Your education/training

Your training begins with 20 weeks at East Kilbride Group Training (approximately September to April). During this period you will complete an SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Level 5 and an NC in Engineering Systems at SCQF Level 6. This initial phase covers a wide range of core learning including safety compliance technical data interpretation efficient working practices systems principles measurement techniques and the use of IT applications.

From years 2 to 4 you will move into the workplace fulltime while working towards the EAL Diploma in Engineering Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance at SCQF Level 7. Alongside this you will study one day per week toward an HNC in Engineering Systems allowing you to continue building your theoretical knowledge. During this stage your learning will focus on diagnosing faults applying sustainability practices commissioning engineering systems and developing key metaskills such as critical thinking problemsolving adaptability and creativity.

Please note: Youll work daytime hours during the early part of your training and later move onto night shifts including some weekends working both indoors and outdoors in all conditions.

Future prospects

Once you complete the programme you will be fully prepared to step into the role of an On Track Engineering Technician responsible for maintaining repairing and supporting our specialist fleet of ontrack machines. You can expect to earn a competitive salary exceeding 20000 with clear opportunities for further progression as you gain experience.

Depending on your interests and strengths you could progress into roles such as Plant Engineer Plant Planner Plant Fitter or Driver/Operator. With continued development and additional qualifications these positions can offer earning potential of 30000 or more.

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for longterm career growth with opportunities to advance into senior technical roles supervisory positions or specialist engineering posts across the wider organisation.

What youll need

• 5 National 5s or GCSEs at grade D/3 or above including Maths English and Science.
• Your placement is conditional on successfully completing a Drugs and Alcohol Screening and a Railway Medical.

What youll get

We will provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.

In addition youll benefit from:

• Fully funded qualification
• Personal development training and opportunities
• Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Employee share scheme
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal

Youll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.

Your career development

Its hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and experiences youll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will help you navigate where you want to take your career.

Plus when you join us youll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.

Application process and closing dates

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.