Level 6 Rail & Rail Systems Engineering Apprenticeship (Signalling)

Engineering shapes the world we move through every day.

If you’re curious about how things work and excited by the challenge of designing, building and improving the railway, we want to hear from you.

Our Engineering Apprenticeship combines structured learning with real, on-the-job experience, giving you the knowledge and confidence to earn while you learn and build real-world experience from day one.

If you want to be part of the next generation of our engineering workforce, then start your apprenticeship journey on the right track and embark on a rewarding career with us!

What you’ll be doing

As part of the scheme, you will be balancing part-time university study with work experience, allowing you to learn the fundamentals of the railway while working in Design/Project engineering teams to renew and enhance rail infrastructure for the benefit of passengers. You will also complete industry led training to develop an understanding of the railway as a complex system to broaden your engineering knowledge.
To widen your skillset in as many areas as possible, you may have the opportunity to take part in planned rotations while undertaking your formal training with the university, as well as training by the team you are placed in to help you develop the skills needed for a career with Network Rail.

You’ll gain experience across a variety of rail projects, from traditional trackside signalling and level crossing operations to working on the next generation of in-cab signalling or level crossing technology.

You will generally work Monday to Friday in one of our corporate offices, but may find yourself working in a shift pattern, travelling to various sites, and working across a mix of weather conditions whilst always having the health and safety of your colleagues at the forefront of your mind.

Who you are matters

We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals who are logical thinkers with an organised mindset. You should enjoy collaborating with other team members and be confident in communicating with people of all levels. Some other qualities we’re looking for are:

• Self-motivated with a good work ethic

• Great interpersonal skills

• Proactive team player

• Passionate and eager to contribute your thoughts, create fresh ideas, and challenge yourself – and others!

• An interest in Engineering – even better, if it is in Rail!

• Able to connect with others easily and build solid relationships.

You’ll need to have at least one of the below:

• A Levels: BBB including Maths and a physical science, 120 UCAS points. Or

• BTEC National Diploma DDM, including Level 3 Mathematics and Physical Sciences (128 UCAS points) Or

• EAL Technical Extended Diploma in Engineering Technologies, D, including: Further Engineering Mathematics; Electrical and Electronic Engineering Principles; and other options relevant to Electrical and Electronic Engineering or

• Access to HE qualifications with 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits, with at least half the course in Mathematics and Physical Science subjects (122 UCAS points) or

• Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 120 UCAS points and including Mathematics and Physical Sciences

• Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).

What you’ll get out of it

You’ll complete the Level 6 Rail and Rail Systems Senior Engineering Apprenticeship (Integrated Degree) recognised as a bachelor’s degree level.

There’s plenty of learning built into this scheme. You’ll be supported to develop the core knowledge, skills and behaviours that can contribute towards future professional registration, such as Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or the Institute of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE).

We want all our people to feel empowered to succeed. So, we provide solid training and development opportunities to enhance your knowledge, increase your confidence, and enable you to achieve your career ambitions. And, as we continue to grow and become more technologically advanced, we’ll also make sure you’ve all the skills you need to meet the exciting challenges that lie ahead.

We support our apprentices every step of the way, empowering them to grow, excel, and become an essential part of the rail industry. We encourage hard work, innovation, and continuous improvement, inspiring them to embrace the opportunities and challenges of this progressive field.

The opportunities it leads to:

We strive to have the best in-house opportunities rewarding employees of all levels with exciting career progression. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, which will take up to 5 years, you can apply for Design or Project Engineering positions within Network Rail.

We matter to millions. You could too.