Rail Apprenticeship - On Track Engineering Technician in Glasgow

Kick‑start an exciting engineering career that helps keep Scotland’s railways moving. On this four‑year Rail Apprenticeship, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to maintain and repair our fleet of on‑track 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. You’ll play a part in maintaining and operating essential on‑track machinery that supports national rail infrastructure and helps keep services running smoothly for customers and the public. Your first six months will be spent full‑time at college, where you’ll build a strong foundation in engineering principles, systems and safety. After this initial phase, your learning continues through a mix of on‑site practical training and one day per week of college study.

Day to day, you’ll 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. You’ll 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, you’ll gain exposure to a wide variety of engineering work, including machine calibration, track‑surveying support, asset maintenance and reliability improvement projects. You’ll work directly on Babcock’s 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, you’ll have developed strong mechanical, electrical and hydraulic engineering knowledge, as well as skills in fault‑finding, maintenance, safe working practices, communication and teamwork. Along the way, you’ll also gain important professional behaviours including problem‑solving, 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 full‑time 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 meta‑skills such as critical thinking, problem‑solving, adaptability and creativity.

Please note: You’ll 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. 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 on‑track machines.

You can expect to earn a competitive salary exceeding £20,000, 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 £30,000 or more. This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for long‑term career growth, with opportunities to advance into senior technical roles, supervisory positions or specialist engineering posts across the wider organisation.

What you’ll 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 you’ll get

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

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding. It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and experiences you’ll 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, you’ll 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.