Engineering Apprenticeship

About the apprenticeship

Duties

Team up with experienced engineers at one of our depots to learn what goes into keeping thousands of miles of power lines and tracks up and running, and fit for use.
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 and repair 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 overhead power lines mechanically sound and in the correct position. 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 - 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.

Additional information

Your benefits matter:
Your salary in the first year is  £19,838, and will increase each year.
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:
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
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.

Requirements

Skills

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.

Qualifications

The entry requirements
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.

Language

Welsh Spoken Skills: No Welsh Written Skills: No

Course details

Training provider:
Bobcock Training Limited

Training provider course:
Rail engineering technician (level 3)

About the employer

Network Rail Ltd
onway Road, Llandudno Junction
Llandudno
Gwynedd
LL31 9LU

Disability confident

Yes, we are part of the Disability Confident Scheme from the UK Department for Work and Pensions.

Please note that all apprenticeships are open to everyone. However, some organisations have worked to achieve Disability Confident accreditation. You should always apply for the apprenticeship you feel best suited to.

Interview arrangements

Online testing - Think of it more like a quiz. It's multiple choice. It will present you with some scenarios you might deal with in a career here and ask you to choose what you think the most effective response is. There's no time limit, but it must be completed in one sitting. You can't save it and return to it. Video Scenario - You will be given an exercise to complete, whereby you will give your thoughts and opinions on what you would do in a given scenario. You will record your answers on camera and send this back to us. You can prepare by: - Looking at our main website. - Understanding the requirements of the role you've applied for. - Considering your strengths and how you've used them to succeed. - Consider what you would do working in a team. Assessment Centre - These can be virtual or at a variety of locations. You'll be allocated a place closest to where you live that has places available. We'll call you beforehand to outline what to expect. On the day, you'll take part in a few exercises. You'll need to show you understand our purpose, explain why this scheme is for you, prove you can work collaboratively and articulate your approach to problem solving. If you need an adjustment to take account of a disability or condition, please get in touch with us before you start.