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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our two-year Graduate Scheme to gain hands-on engineering experience across Scotland's rail network.
- Company: ScotRail is a leading employer in Scotland, committed to diversity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free rail travel, generous holidays, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rail while making a real impact on communities and passengers.
- Qualifications: Must have a degree in an accredited Engineering discipline and a passion for practical problem-solving.
- Other info: Opportunities for volunteering and networking with industry professionals included.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 36000 £ per year.
Job Description
ENGINEERING GRADUATE
Duration: 2 years
Start Date: August 2025
Location: Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness Depot Based and mobile
With more than 5,000 employees, ScotRail plays a vital role in serving the people and communities of Scotland. We recognise a modern and diverse workforce, encouraged to use their talents, and develop their skills, is integral to our success in serving and reflecting the communities of Scotland. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and have also set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets including having a carbon-free railway in Scotland by 2035.
The Opportunity
ScotRail's Graduate Scheme offers a unique opportunity for you to gain invaluable experience shaping the future of Scotland's rail network and directly impacting the lives of our passengers and communities. This two-year programme offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience across various aspects of engineering, from maintenance and new train development to technical support and project leadership. You'll gain exposure to a diverse range of engineering disciplines, an experience few companies can offer, and this could be the springboard for your application to chartership.
The scheme will include:
* Experience of Engineering production in one of our maintenance depots, working in a fast-paced environment to ensure maintenance is completed and the trains which will transport our passengers are made safe and ready for passenger service. In this secondment you will experience maintenance planning, fault diagnosis and continuous improvement/lean engineering principles. During the placement you will learn to make critical engineering decisions, working as part of the engineering production teams that work on our trains.
* A once in a generation opportunity to gain experience working with ScotRail’s New Trains project team, where you will be part of the development of the future of rolling stock which ScotRail is procuring. Learn about how trains are specified and manufactured in line with ScotRail’s decarbonisation strategy.
* Experience working with the Fleet Technical and Safety teams who provide technical support for the fleets. This includes the opportunity to apply mechanical and/or electrical engineering knowledge to problem solve practical, real-world problems. You will also lead a project through the different stages, including implementation into operation.
You will receive training to develop your experience both within ScotRail, but also through the Rail Engineering Graduate Scheme. You will complete placements around the railway; on our trains and at our stations and control, but also with our key stakeholders, to build a greater understanding of the pressures of working in a complex operational railway. The Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme also offers the opportunity to build a network of like-minded professional engineers within the industry.
ScotRail is also part of the community, and you will have the ability to contribute through volunteering and STEM activities.
The Graduate engineer will initially be expected to attend courses and training opportunities over a two-year structured development programme to provide them with a well-rounded background to railway and a practical engineering environment. As part of their development, the engineer is expected to secure a full-time position within ScotRail’s engineering team after two years in the graduate role.
The Graduate engineer is expected to maintain continued professional development logs and participate in industry events as part of their development toward professional Chartered engineer status.
Your development will be supported through both on-the-job training and the structured ScotRail Graduate Development Programme.
The person
Essential:
* Qualifications (a degree) at SCQF level 9 in a recognised Engineering discipline accredited by the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) or the IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers)
* Ability to apply your engineering knowledge in an intensely practical environment.
* Commence employment in the business full time in August 2025
* Strong drive for continuous self-development.
* Strong analytical and data analysis abilities.
* Computer literate and good working knowledge of Microsoft packages
* Willingness to travel
Desirable
* Any prior internships, coursework, or projects in a practical engineering environment
* Member of a professional engineering body
Benefits
A mentor and supported professional development to Chartered Engineer status.
Hours of work: 35 hours per week. Reference salary £31,000 per annum.
What we offer you
ScotRail offer an excellent rewards package including
* Contributory Final Salary Pension scheme
* Free and reduced rate rail travel for you and your family, where applicable.
* Generous holiday allowance
* Enhanced company sick pay and family leave including maternity, paternity and adoption
* Life Insurance cover for 4 x annual salary
* Contributory lifestyle benefit options including discounts at hundreds of retailers, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym memberships and healthcare cashback plan
Please note that due to the volume of interest received these vacancies could close prior to the published date.
Selection process:
Selected candidates will be invited to a competency-based interview. If successful, the next stage will be a medical examination. Appointees must submit at least two satisfactory references, Disclosure Scotland clearance and complete a six-month probation period.
Equal Opportunities
ScotRail is six times accredited as a Top Employer, has achieved Leaders in Diversity and is a Disability Confident Employer. We value, celebrate, and respect the diversity our people and aim to inspire, attract, retain, and develop the best talent. Because we value diversity and the benefits it brings, we want to continue improving the diversity of our people and particularly welcome applications from women, young people, LGBT+ people, people with a disability, and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
Engineering Graduate employer: ScotRail
Contact Detail:
ScotRail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Graduate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with ScotRail's sustainability goals and engineering projects. Understanding their commitment to a carbon-free railway by 2035 will help you align your passion for engineering with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former ScotRail employees on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and the specific skills they value, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Participate in relevant engineering workshops or STEM activities. This not only enhances your practical skills but also demonstrates your commitment to continuous self-development, a key quality ScotRail is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the competency-based interview by practicing common engineering scenarios. Think about how you would apply your knowledge in real-world situations, as this will showcase your analytical abilities and problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Graduate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Engineering Graduate position at ScotRail. Understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize any relevant internships, coursework, or projects that demonstrate your engineering knowledge and practical experience. Make sure to connect these experiences to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your analytical abilities, computer literacy, and any experience with Microsoft packages. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've applied these skills in practical situations, as this aligns with what ScotRail is looking for.
Express Your Motivation: In your cover letter, convey your strong drive for continuous self-development and your enthusiasm for contributing to ScotRail's mission. Mention your willingness to travel and participate in industry events, as these are important aspects of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at ScotRail
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for engineering and how it relates to the rail industry. Share specific examples of projects or experiences that ignited your interest in this field.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world engineering problems you've encountered and how you approached solving them. Highlight your analytical skills and ability to think critically under pressure.
✨Research ScotRail's Sustainability Goals
Familiarize yourself with ScotRail's commitment to sustainability and their carbon-free railway initiative by 2035. Be ready to discuss how your engineering knowledge can contribute to these goals.
✨Prepare for Competency-Based Questions
Since the interview will be competency-based, practice answering questions that assess your skills and experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
