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- 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 tailored career development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with real-world experience and a Level 3 qualification.
- Qualifications: Curiosity and commitment are key; 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 5 required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team making a difference in the future of rail.
The predicted salary is between 16800 - 21100 £ per year.
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Engineering
SALARY: £19,885 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
You’ll study 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
Years 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.
Year 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.
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 15 years old when you apply and 16 years old by 01/09/2026. 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?
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: 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 Manchester employer: Northern
Contact Detail:
Northern Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail Engineering Apprentice in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Northern and understand their values, mission, and what they stand for. 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 apprentices or employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. This can give you insider knowledge and potentially a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to engineering and teamwork. Think about examples from your past where you've shown curiosity and problem-solving skills. We want to see your passion for engineering shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Northern and ready to take that first step towards an exciting career in rail engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Rail Engineering Apprentice in Manchester
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 why you're the perfect fit for our Rail Engineering Apprentice role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand the role and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
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 key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great addition to our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Northern and starting your journey with us.
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. This shows your genuine interest and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your eagerness to learn by asking insightful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the role. This not only highlights your commitment but also shows that you're proactive and engaged.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working closely with others, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Highlight your communication skills and ability to follow safety procedures, which are crucial in this role.
✨Prepare for Safety Discussions
Understand the importance of safety in engineering roles, especially in rail. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach safety protocols and why they matter. This will show that you have a safety-first mindset, which is essential for the job.
