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- Tasks: Train as an Engineering Plant technician, learning to inspect and repair essential systems.
- Company: Join GWR, an award-winning company with a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, gain qualifications, and enjoy career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Become a skilled Engineer of the future and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Must be over 16, with GCSEs in Maths and English at grade 4 or above.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship starting September 2026, with a focus on personal growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 13785 - 23000 £ per year.
About the team? The award-winning scheme is seen as the benchmark for the industry. The Apprentice programme is the holder of We Invest In Apprentices Gold Accreditation in the IIP process. The scheme has achieved significantly higher than national success and retention rates year on year since its inception. The apprentice scheme provides the talent pipeline for entry level grades and above for GWR. GWR is a place where you can truly be your unique self, thrive and be part of an awesome family.
About the job? As an Engineering Plant technician apprentice at GWR you'll train and learn whilst you earn. Everything from how to inspect, service, repair, fault find and react to faults with depot infrastructure, from lighting / heating systems to 415v shore supply systems and equipment that enables our Engineering depots to operate and in turn supports Engineering in delivering the train service for our customers. The apprenticeship is designed to maximise your full potential and provide you with the competencies, experiences and qualifications needed to become a skilled Engineer of the future.
Your main responsibilities will be:
- During your apprenticeship, you will study a level 2 & 3 qualification in electrical engineering, with an opportunity to progress to further qualifications throughout your career.
- Alongside training at the depot, you'll attend college to work towards your qualifications.
- In year 2 of the programme, you'll be given the opportunity to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Business Gold award.
You’ll need to be:
- You’ll enjoy working with people, have great communication, numerical and team working skills.
- You’ll bring with you your enthusiasm to learn and a commitment to develop a career in engineering.
As a minimum, you will need to:
- Essentially you must be over 16 years of age at the start of the programme, live within 1 hour of your chosen location above and have achieved Functional Skills Level 2 or GCSE grade 4 and above in Maths and English.
- You’ll have good numerical, verbal and written communication skills.
About the location: You must live within a maximum of 60 minutes travelling time to the depot you apply for. (This means able to travel to work within 60 minutes for both your own travel and using public transport, which is not negotiable).
Working Pattern: For the first 2 years of the apprenticeship, you will do day shifts between 0700 and 2000. Monday through Saturday, with a rest day and study time during this period. For year 3 and 4 you will follow a 24/7 shift pattern. During periods of training, overnight stays may be required.
Additional Information: The apprenticeship scheme starts on 1st September 2026 and is for 4 years.
The recruitment process will involve:
- Completion of your applications
- If you are short-listed, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre scheduled for week commencing
- If short listed, you will be invited to attend a selection event scheduled for 18th April 2026 and Interviews following on 24th April 2026. This will then followed up by a face to face interview.
The salary details are as follows:
- Starting Salary for Under 18's is £13785
- Starting Salary for Over 18's is £23000
For further information, please contact:
- Donna Perry, Regional Apprentice Manager, 07702670680
- Laura Maddison, Coach & Mentor, 07525583546
- Adam Holloway, Coach & Mentor 07713316189
- Andrew Perry, Learning & Development Manager, 07771 830464
- gwrrecruitment@gwr.com
We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability. We maintain zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent. We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive. We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details. If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
Engineering Tech Apprentice - West in Plymouth employer: FirstGroup Internal
Contact Detail:
FirstGroup Internal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Tech Apprentice - West in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know GWR and the Engineering Tech Apprentice role inside out. Research the company culture, values, and what makes their apprenticeship programme stand out. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with a team, being able to express your thoughts clearly is key. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your experiences and why you want this apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Reach out to current or past apprentices on LinkedIn or through GWR’s social media. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up on what to expect during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the GWR family and ready to kickstart your engineering career.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Tech Apprentice - West in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Show us what makes you unique and why you’re excited about this apprenticeship.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for in an Engineering Tech Apprentice.
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let us know why you’re passionate about engineering and learning. A bit of enthusiasm goes a long way, so share your excitement about the opportunity to grow and develop with us at GWR!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup Internal
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of electrical engineering and the specific responsibilities of an Engineering Plant Technician. Brush up on key concepts related to lighting, heating systems, and fault-finding techniques. This will show your enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Think about times when you collaborated on a project or helped a teammate solve a problem. This will highlight your communication skills and ability to thrive in a team environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the training process, opportunities for progression, or what a typical day looks like for an apprentice. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to learn more about the company culture.
✨Be Yourself
GWR values uniqueness and diversity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for engineering and what drives you to pursue this apprenticeship. Authenticity can make a lasting impression and help you connect with the interviewers.