At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair electric trains, ensuring safety and reliability for thousands of daily journeys.
- Company: Join Northern, a leading train service provider committed to keeping the North moving.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, enhanced family benefits, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with excellent career development opportunities and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on train services while developing your engineering skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: A Level 3 NVQ or recognised apprenticeship in Engineering and solid mechanical/electrical knowledge required.
People across the North rely on trains that turn up ready to go. As part of our Engineering team at Northern, you’d be the person making sure they do. Based at Allerton TrainCare Centre, you’ll play a hands‑on role in keeping our electric fleet safe, reliable and ready for service. Every fault you diagnose, every repair you complete and every check you sign off has a direct impact on thousands of journeys each day. This is skilled, purposeful work where your decisions help keep the North moving. Our engineers are the quiet force behind 2,500 daily services. With new fleets and evolving technology, this is a chance to shape the future of electric train maintenance while developing your own expertise along the way.
What you’ll be doing
- Maintain and repair electric traction and rolling stock to the required standards
- Use diagnostic software to fault find, problem solve and carry out root cause analysis
- Support preventative maintenance to stop repeat faults before they happen
- Operate and maintain depot equipment safely
- Follow engineering procedures and safety regulations at all times
- Carry out and document safety checks and remedial work
- Maintain a clean, safe working environment
- Respond to track calls and operational requests as needed
- Liaise with supervisors to prioritise workloads
- Manage tools, materials and equipment responsibly
Share your knowledge
- Support and mentor apprentices and new starters
- Take part in ongoing training to keep your skills sharp and up to date
You’ll work a range of shifts including early starts, nights, weekends and Bank Holidays. Living within 60 minutes of Allerton TrainCare Centre is essential so you can respond reliably to the roster.
About you
You’re practical, methodical and take real pride in doing a job properly. When something is not working, you do not just patch it up – you get to the root of the problem. Here’s what you’ll bring:
- A Level 3 NVQ or recognised apprenticeship in Engineering
- Solid mechanical and electrical knowledge, including reading schematics covering electrical, air and hydraulic systems
- Experience using diagnostic software and carrying out fault finding and root cause analysis
- Confidence operating mechanical and electrical equipment
- Knowledge of railway operating procedures and certification in Rules and Regulations, or the willingness to be trained
Beyond qualifications, you work well independently and as part of a team. You communicate clearly, look out for others and are happy to share your expertise with developing engineers. Safety is not an afterthought for you – it is part of how you work every day.
What’s in it for you?
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
A place for everyone. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.
Multiskilled Maintenance Engineer employer: Northern Trains Limited
At Northern, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values safety, teamwork, and continuous development. Based at the Allerton TrainCare Centre, our Multiskilled Maintenance Engineers enjoy generous benefits including unlimited free travel for themselves and their families, a robust pension scheme, and tailored training opportunities to enhance their skills and career progression. With a commitment to recognising and celebrating employee contributions, Northern is dedicated to fostering a rewarding environment where every team member plays a vital role in keeping the North moving.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Multiskilled Maintenance Engineer
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Dive into local trade fairs or community workshops where you can meet seasoned professionals. It’s a great way to shake hands, ask questions, and even catch the eye of potential employers while showing off your eagerness to learn!
✨Connect with Industry Apprenticeship Schemes
Look for apprenticeship programmes in your area, as many skilled-trades companies, like those in construction or engineering, seek trainees directly through these channels. This is often a foot-in-the-door opportunity, and they value your willingness to jump in!
✨Use Social Media to Showcase Your Skills
Create a platform on social media where you can share short videos or posts about your projects or any related DIY tasks you’ve tackled. It’s a fun way to demonstrate your passion and can attract the attention of local businesses like Northern Trains Limited looking for fresh talent.
✨Don’t Overlook Informal Networking
Chatting with friends, family, or acquaintances can sometimes lead to hidden opportunities. Let them know you’re on the hunt for a trainee role in skilled trades, and you might stumble upon a lead you’d never have found elsewhere!
We think you need these skills to ace Multiskilled Maintenance Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills!:When applying for a trainee position in skilled trades, make sure to highlight any relevant hands-on experience you've got, even if it’s just from school or hobbies. We want to see how you've used tools and techniques related to the trade, so don’t be shy about mentioning those specific skills!
Let Your Passion Shine Through:In your cover letter, share your genuine interest in the skilled trade you're applying for. Talk about why you chose this path and what excites you about working with Northern Trains Limited. Passion can go a long way, especially as a trainee where you're eager to learn and grow!
Certificates Matter!:If you have any certifications relevant to the skilled trades, like health and safety or specific training courses, definitely include them with your application. They can set you apart and show that you’re committed to your professional development right from the start.
Tidy Up That CV:Keep your CV clear and easy to read. Focus on your education, any hands-on experience, and relevant projects or apprenticeships. Remember to format it nicely and keep it to one page if possible, as we’ll appreciate a concise overview that gets straight to the point!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Trains Limited
✨Get Your Tools Ready
Think about the specific tools or techniques you'll be using in the skilled trades. If you're applying for a trainee role, you might not need to be a master, but showing that you’ve got basic knowledge of the tools and materials relevant to the job will set you apart. Maybe even bring along some photos or examples of your work if you've had any hands-on experience.
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Safety is a big deal in skilled trades, so be prepared to discuss regulations or safety measures specific to your field. They might throw some situational questions at you regarding safety practices, so think about any protocols you’ve learned. Showing you're safety-conscious will make a great impression!
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
During your interview, expect some practical tests or scenario-based questions. Interviewers love to know how you’d solve real-world problems on the job site. Practise explaining your thought process clearly; it demonstrates how you think on your feet—and this is crucial for a trainee role!
✨Show Your Enthusiasm to Learn
As a trainee, showcasing your eagerness to learn is key. Highlight any experience or courses you’ve done related to the trades, even if informal. Talk about why you’re passionate about this line of work—your motivation will come across clearly and convince them you’re the right fit for the team at Northern Trains Limited.
