At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair electric trains, ensuring safety and reliability for thousands of daily journeys.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, connecting communities through rail.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, exclusive discounts, and tailored training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team where everyone feels welcome and valued.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on rail travel while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: A Level 3 NVQ or apprenticeship in Engineering and solid mechanical/electrical knowledge required.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering
GRADE: STM
SALARY: £39,023.25 rising to £52,031 per annum on completion of training
ROLE TYPE: On site
HOURS: 35 per week
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
No two shifts are quite the same, but you can expect to:
- Maintain and repair
- Service, maintain, repair and overhaul 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
- Keep safety front and centre
- Follow engineering procedures and safety regulations at all times
- Carry out and document safety checks and remedial work
- Maintain a clean, safe working environment
- Support depot operations
- 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?
At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:
- 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.
Why Northern?
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. 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.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
Skilled Train Maintainer 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. With generous benefits including unlimited free travel for you and your family, a robust pension scheme, and tailored training opportunities, we empower our employees to grow their skills while contributing to the vital role of keeping the North's railways running smoothly. Join us at Allerton TrainCare Centre, where your expertise will not only shape your career but also impact thousands of journeys every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Skilled Train Maintainer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Northern on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with diagnostic software and fault finding, as these are key in the role of a Skilled Train Maintainer.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for safety and teamwork during interviews. Share examples of how you've prioritised safety in past roles and how you’ve supported colleagues or apprentices.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget 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 Northern team!
We think you need these skills to ace Skilled Train Maintainer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through! Talk about your hands-on experience and how you love solving problems. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about keeping our trains running smoothly.
Be Specific About Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your specific skills and experiences that match the job description. If you've got a Level 3 NVQ or have worked with diagnostic software, shout about it! We’re looking for those details that show you’re the right fit for our team.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional too. Share a bit about yourself and your journey in engineering, but make sure it aligns with the role. We want to know who you are, but also why you’d be a great addition to our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining Northern and ready to take that next step in your career with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Trains Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical and electrical knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with diagnostic software and fault finding, as these are key skills for a Skilled Train Maintainer.
✨Safety First
Since safety is paramount in this role, be prepared to talk about how you prioritise safety in your work. Share examples of how you've followed engineering procedures and safety regulations in past roles.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This job involves working closely with others, so highlight your teamwork skills. Think of instances where you've supported or mentored colleagues, especially apprentices, and how that contributed to a positive work environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company and the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute to keeping the North moving. Ask about their approach to new technology or ongoing training opportunities.
