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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn from experienced engineers while maintaining and repairing trains.
- Company: Join South Western Railway, a leading provider of passenger train services.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, discounts, and a competitive salary with excellent training.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in the rail industry and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths (5+), English (4+), Science (4+) required; passion for railways preferred.
- Other info: Inclusive environment celebrating diversity and offering growth opportunities.
*Please note for this apprenticeship, you will need to be aged 18+ years on the 1st September 2026.
Who are we?
South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.
Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.
About the job
At South Western Railway, we believe our people are our greatest asset. SWR is a leading provider of passenger train services in the south‑west of England. With a commitment to safety, reliability, and sustainability, we strive to deliver exceptional service to our customers while maintaining a strong focus on innovation and continuous improvement. Our fleet, encompassing electric and diesel trains, covers over 4 million miles yearly. Our skilled colleagues ensure the reliability and availability of our services, directly impacting customer satisfaction.
Your main responsibilities will be:
As an apprentice, you will work alongside experienced engineers, learning from their expertise while contributing to critical maintenance and repair tasks across our network. Based at one of our Train Care Depots, we will provide the foundation upon which you can build a great career in the rail industry.
You will assist with routine maintenance activities including:
- Inspections, repairs, and component replacements.
- Diagnose faults and perform troubleshooting to identify and rectify issues efficiently.
- Support the installation and testing of new equipment and systems.
- Follow safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
- Collaborate with team members to achieve operational objectives.
- Deliver high‑quality service to our customers.
You’ll need to have:
- GCSE Maths grade 5+
- GCSE English grade 4+
- GCSE Science grade 4+
Desirable
- A desire to pursue a career in the railway industry.
- Flexibility – this apprenticeship may involve early or late shifts and travel to other areas on our network.
- Excellent communication, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
- Proactive and adaptable approach to problem‑solving, with a keen eye for detail.
- Willingness to undergo training and development to enhance skills and knowledge in the role.
- A dedication to upholding the company’s values and delivering exceptional service.
About the location
Bournemouth Depot is home to a number of South Western Railway\’s fleet. The engineering team at the depot are currently responsible for numerous projects such as the major component overhaul work on the 159 fleet, the Desiro repaint on the class 444\’s and 450\’s and the latest modification project on our exciting new Arterio fleet that is set to transform travel on our suburban routes by offering customers much faster and more reliable journeys!
Working pattern
Working an average of 37 hours per week over 5 days
The Reward
In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:
- Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
- Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
- 75% discount on many other train operating companies
- Full training and support with development
- Excellent pension scheme
We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all 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 a 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.
If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, 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.
https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/
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Apprentice Rolling Stock Technician employer: South Western News UK
Contact Detail:
South Western News UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Rolling Stock Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at South Western Railway on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the apprenticeship. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Familiarise yourself with basic railway engineering concepts and safety protocols. Showing that you’re keen to learn and understand the industry will impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates directly from us at South Western Railway.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Rolling Stock Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Railways: Let us know why you're excited about a career in the railway industry! Share any relevant experiences or interests that highlight your enthusiasm for trains and engineering.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team and what you can bring to the table!
Highlight Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your GCSEs! Make it clear that you meet the educational requirements, especially in Maths, English, and Science, as these are key for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Western News UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge about South Western Railway and the role of an Apprentice Rolling Stock Technician. Familiarise yourself with their fleet, safety protocols, and recent projects like the Arterio fleet modifications. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for a career in the railway industry during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in engineering and maintenance. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and align with SWR's values of innovation and continuous improvement.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or specific projects at the Bournemouth Depot. This not only shows your curiosity but also helps you gauge if the company culture is the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Since the role involves troubleshooting and diagnosing faults, be prepared to discuss how you approach problem-solving. You might even be asked to work through a hypothetical scenario. Highlight your proactive and adaptable mindset, and don’t forget to mention your attention to detail!
