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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn to maintain and repair trains while gaining hands-on engineering skills.
- Company: Join Northern, the heartbeat of the North, connecting communities through rail.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, a generous pension scheme, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with a paid apprenticeship and real-world experience.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 5, including Maths, English, and Science.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with clear career pathways and growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 16800 - 19800 ÂŁ per year.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering
SALARY: ÂŁ19,885 per annum (starting rate), increasing annually
ROLE TYPE: On site
HOURS: 35 per week
People rely on Northern trains every day, to get to work, see family, explore the North, and everything in between. Keeping those trains safe, reliable, and ready to run takes skilled engineers behind the scenes, and that’s where you come in.
As a Rail Engineering Apprentice, you’d be part of the teams who maintain and repair our trains at our TrainCare Centres. This three‑year programme lets you earn while you learn, build hands‑on engineering skills, and find your platform in a career that can take you in many directions across the railway.
If you enjoy understanding how things work, solving problems, and being part of a close‑knit team, this is a practical, future‑focused way to get your foot on the railway.
What You’ll Be Doing
Over three years, you’ll combine college learning with real‑world experience, supported by our Engineering Apprenticeship Manager, our expert trainers and engineers. You’ll be:
- Learning how to maintain, inspect, and repair trains safely and efficiently
- Gaining hands‑on experience with traction and rolling‑stock systems
- Working alongside experienced engineers at your home TrainCare Centre
- Building your technical knowledge in mechanical and electrical engineering
- Developing the skills and evidence needed to complete your End Point Assessment
- Following safety rules and procedures that keep you and others safe
- Studying towards a Level 3 qualification in Rail Engineering Technician, delivered in partnership with Myerscough College in Preston and the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR) in Northampton
How The Apprenticeship Works
Year 1: You’ll spend the school terms living and studying at Myerscough College in Preston, working towards your Level 2 qualification. Accommodation is provided and paid for, at the college, by Northern. When you’re not at college, you’ll be based at your TrainCare Centre, following a structured learning plan with the Engineering Trainers and Engineering Apprenticeship Manager.
Years 2 & 3: You’ll be fully embedded in your TrainCare Centre team, building hands‑on experience and completing your portfolio ready for your End Point Assessment. During these years, you’ll also be expected to spend some time at Newton Heath in Manchester. Accommodation will be provided for the duration of your stay. This additional time will support your overall development and training, allowing you to gather a broader range of evidence for your apprenticeship.
About You
You don’t need to know everything already. Curiosity, commitment, and a genuine interest in engineering matter most. You’ll bring:
- An interest in mechanical and electrical engineering – that’s the spark we’re looking for!
- A willingness to learn, ask questions, and get stuck in
- The ability to work well as part of a team and communicate clearly
- A safety‑first mindset and the ability to follow rules and procedures
You’ll also need:
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs (achieved or predicted) at grades 9 to 5 (or A to C), including Maths, English, Science, and two others
- To live within a 45‑minute drive of your home TrainCare Centre
- Normal colour vision
- To be at least 16 years old when you apply and 17 years old by 01/09/2026 (due to safeguarding). No maximum age.
- You must not be in education after 01/09/2026
If you already have any engineering qualifications, let us know the level, key modules, and grades in your application.
Because this is a safety‑critical role, the selection process includes a medical assessment covering general health, ECG, vision, hearing, colour vision, and drugs and alcohol testing.
Where this could take you
By the end of the programme, you’ll have a Level 3 qualification with the skills, confidence, and experience to step into a range of engineering roles at Northern. Many apprentices apply for Maintenance Engineer positions, while others find their platform in technical specialisms, leadership pathways, production environments, or safety‑critical roles that help shape how our railway runs.
For most people, this is just the beginning. Our apprentices often choose to stay with Northern, building long‑term careers, opening doors across the business, and growing into roles that make a real difference to the future of rail in the North.
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: 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: Tailored training, recognised qualifications, and clear career pathways across the business.
- Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate great work 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 2,650 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’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process if you need them. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria, we’ll offer you an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to help remove unconscious bias and make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers are 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 on the railway.
Rail Engineering Apprentice in Barrow in Furness employer: Northern
Contact Detail:
Northern Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Engineering Apprentice in Barrow in Furness
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Northern and understand their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local engineering events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to engineering and teamwork. You can even do mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence and get feedback.
✨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 Northern and starting your journey in rail engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Engineering Apprentice in Barrow in Furness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: Let us see your enthusiasm for mechanical and electrical engineering! Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in the field. This is your chance to shine and show us why you’re excited about this apprenticeship.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and interests align with the role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for in a Rail Engineering Apprentice.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your thoughts flow logically. This will help us get a good sense of who you are and what you can bring to the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the role and the application process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your mechanical and electrical engineering fundamentals. Be ready to discuss basic concepts and how they apply to rail systems. Showing that you understand the core principles will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity
Express your genuine interest in engineering by asking insightful questions about the role and the company. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're eager to learn and grow within the railway industry.
✨Safety First Mindset
Since this is a safety-critical role, be prepared to talk about the importance of safety procedures in engineering. Share any experiences where you followed safety protocols or how you would handle a safety issue on the job.
✨Teamwork is Key
Highlight your ability to work well in a team. Share examples from school projects or group activities where you collaborated effectively. The interviewers will want to see that you can communicate clearly and contribute positively to a close-knit team.