Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Fleet Production Team and ensure trains are safe and reliable.
- Company: East Midlands Railway, a Top Employer with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with competitive salaries and fantastic rail perks.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in engineering with hands-on training and industry-standard qualifications.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above required.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
We are proud to be One Team at East Midlands Railway (EMR). We are passionate about keeping people safe, delighting our customers, doing the right thing and putting customers at the heart of our sustainable railway for the East Midlands. With over 2,600 employees, our people are the reason we are so successful and our Apprentices make a crucial contribution to this. Ten times accredited as a Top Employer, and Gold accredited for Inclusive Employers we value our people and are dedicated to making sure that everybody feels empowered to bring their authentic self to work.
We have an exciting opportunity to join #TeamEMR Fleet Production Team as a Level 3 Rail Engineering Apprentice. Our Fleet Engineering Apprentices are our future talent, who bring diversity of experience and thought, new ideas and a fresh approach that helps drive our business forward. Based at our Derby depot, you'll have an important role in making sure our trains are safe, well-maintained, and reliable.
We offer a 4-year programme designed to give practical on the job training in our Fleet Engineering depots, combined with classroom-based learning that will give you all the underpinning knowledge you need to be successful in your apprenticeship. You'll get practical experience of Engineering, Fitting and Vehicle Building and lots of other maintenance activities that keep our trains on the right track! It is a 4-year EMR Training Programme that is aligned to the competence level of our Senior Team Member/Technician role. At the end of it you will attain apprenticeship Standard: Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician (Traction and Rolling Stock) and we’ve teamed up with the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR) to support you with the best industry-standard training available.
What will I get in return? We'll equip you with the skills to build an exciting and rewarding career in our railway family and when you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll be qualified to apply for work as a Rail Engineering Technician / Senior Team Member. You’ll earn a fantastic starting salary of £18,258.33, increasing to: £20,046.24 (Year 2), £24,055.48 (Year 3) and £32,073.98 (Year 4). You’ll also get some great rail perks, including free train travel with EMR (and other TransportUK operators), 75% discount on travel with other train companies, discounted family and friends tickets and a generous workplace pension scheme.
Can I apply? We believe anyone can train, whatever their background. If you can show that you’ve got what we see in our #TeamEMR apprentices daily, you’ll be a good match. This includes:
- Enjoying working as part of a team
- Taking pride in completing tasks to a high standard
- Great communication skills
- A positive attitude and an appetite for learning and personal development
The only requirement we ask for is that you have (or are expected to achieve in Summer 2026) GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade 4 / C or above, so we know you’ll be ready for the learning programme. As this is a safety critical role, you will also be required to live within 60 minutes’ travelling time of the depot.
What is the recruitment process like? Just complete the online application form and upload your CV. This is your big chance to tell us about your skills and why you'd make a great apprentice! If you can show you know a bit about us and highlight what you can bring to #TeamEMR, it will really help you stand out. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a Depot Guided Tour at Etches Park, which will take place on 3rd April 2026. The tour will give you an insight on depot operations, fleet maintenance, as well as a tour of the shop floor. Our assessment centres will take place on 9th April 2026. You'll get the opportunity to hear more about the apprenticeship, what we offer and meet some of the people you'll be working with. This is where you get the opportunity to showcase your skills and personality. Following this there will be a competency based interview, we'll make sure we send out revision tools and resource for you to feel well equipped to perform your best.
What do I do if I have questions before applying? Join us at our inaugural Information Session, where we’ll share an overview of the apprenticeship programme, outline expectations, and give interested candidates the opportunity to ask questions before applying. The session will take place on Wednesday 11th February 2026 at 16:00 on Microsoft Teams. Please register your interest for the session via the link below.
As we operate a blind screening process, please remove all personal information, including your name, from your CV. If you’re offered a place, we'll let you know in May and you’ll join us in August / September. We promise to treat you fairly, consistently and with respect throughout the application, assessment and selection process. We look forward to receiving your application!
*Please note: There are two ongoing applications for the Fleet Apprenticeships - Derby and Nottingham. Please submit your application for only ONE location.
Fleet Engineering Apprenticeship (Derby employer: East Midlands Trains
Contact Detail:
East Midlands Trains Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fleet Engineering Apprenticeship (Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know East Midlands Railway! Research their values and what makes them tick. When you show that you understand their mission and culture, it’ll help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's during the Depot Guided Tour or the assessment centre, being able to express yourself clearly and confidently will make a great impression on the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for learning! Talk about your passion for engineering and how you’re eager to develop your skills. This is key for landing that apprenticeship with #TeamEMR.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to prepare for the process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Fleet Engineering Apprenticeship (Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're filling out your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about becoming part of #TeamEMR and contributing to our mission of keeping the railway safe and reliable.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Fleet Engineering Apprenticeship. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that show you can work well in a team, communicate effectively, and have a positive attitude towards learning. We love seeing what makes you unique!
Do Your Research: Take some time to learn about East Midlands Railway and our values. Mentioning specific things you admire about us in your application can really help you stand out. It shows you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team!
Be Yourself: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Authenticity is key, so share your story and what drives you. Remember, we’re looking for future talent who can bring fresh ideas to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Midlands Trains
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research East Midlands Railway and their Fleet Engineering Apprenticeship programme. Understand their values, mission, and what they expect from their apprentices. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of #TeamEMR.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial for this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked as part of a team. Be ready to discuss how you contributed to group tasks and how you handle challenges with others. This will demonstrate that you embody the collaborative spirit they’re looking for.
✨Prepare for Competency Questions
The interview will likely include competency-based questions. Prepare by thinking about situations where you've shown great communication skills, a positive attitude, or a willingness to learn. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to show your enthusiasm and curiosity. Ask about the training process, what a typical day looks like, or how success is measured for apprentices. This not only shows your interest but also helps you determine if this is the right fit for you.