At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Engineering Apprenticeship and learn while working on real train projects.
- Company: Southeastern, a leading train operator in Britain with a commitment to community.
- Benefits: Enjoy free rail travel, 32 days annual leave, and a final salary pension.
- Why this job: Make a difference in people's journeys while kickstarting your engineering career.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Looking to start a career in Engineering? Join our Southeastern Engineering Apprenticeship starting in September 2026. Imagine knowing hundreds of thousands of people are getting to work on time because of your attention to detail. Imagine seeing families set off safely on a fun day out because of the repair you made to the train they’re boarding. Imagine the pride you’ll feel every day as a Southeastern engineer. Can you move people? Apply now.
Main Responsibilities
Our three-year Engineering Apprenticeship programme is the perfect foundation block for anyone looking to start a career in Engineering. The apprenticeship balances college learning with work placements at our Engineering depots for an excellent blended approach to learning. Successful completion of this apprenticeship will result in a Level 3 Diploma in Rail Engineering Competence and knowledge of different types of trains, faults and Southeastern depots, as well as opportunities to progress into other Engineering roles. Our Engineering depots are located at Slade Green (Erith), Ashford (Kent) and Ramsgate and you must reside within 40 mins of the depot (by car). For more in-depth detail of what the apprenticeship involves, please see attached information pack.
The Ideal Candidate
You don’t need railway experience to do this role. We’re looking for people with a passion for Engineering from all backgrounds to join our team.
All You Need Is
- 4 x GCSE's of Grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths
- Good verbal communication skills
- To be proactive and able to problem solve
- Great team working ability
- Should be computer literate with a basic knowledge of information technology
As proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant and Disability Confident Scheme, we will offer you an interview if you apply under these schemes and meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Other Things To Know
All successful candidates will need to undertake and pass a full safety critical medical before formal offer. This vacancy may close early if we receive a large number of applications. So, make sure you get yours in early. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, a right to work verification, a basic criminal record check, and a pre-employment medical assessment. Work visa sponsorship isn’t available for this role. If you applied but weren’t successful in getting a similar role at Southeastern, please wait six months before applying again. Find out more about our recruitment process and get tips to help you apply. Please note - If you are successful during the initial recruitment stages you will be required to attend a Recruitment Experience Day on 26th May 2026.
What You’ll Get In Return
Along with your salary, the rewards you’ll get include:
- a final salary pension
- 32 days annual leave allowance (including bank holidays) in year one (24 days once shift work commences)
- free rail travel across our networks.
Meaning you can feel secure in your career as well as fulfilled by your work.
About The Company
A bit about Southeastern: We’re one of Britain’s busiest train operators, serving London, Kent and parts of East Sussex. We run over 1,700 trains a day, carrying more than 500,000 passengers and serving 180 stations. However, working on our railway is more than getting passengers from A to B. It’s about all the little moments that make a difference to their journey. It’s also about making our railway a great place to work and our team one that represents the communities we serve. This is a journey we’re fully committed to and we’re proud to have been named a Great Place to Work at the 2023 National Rail Awards and endorsed as a WORK180 Employer for Women. Our ways of working are what we expect of everyone at Southeastern. They are powerful. Tiny moments, every day, from every one of us, add up to massive, positive change. Improving how it feels to work here and how it feels to travel with us.
Engineering Apprentice in London employer: The Carp Society
Contact Detail:
The Carp Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Apprentice in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Southeastern 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 their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the application process. It’s a great way to get insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for your Recruitment Experience Day by doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common engineering questions and how your skills align with the role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and tips directly from us to help you along the way.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Apprentice in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about starting a career in this field, so share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role. Highlight your GCSEs and any skills that match what we’re looking for, like problem-solving and teamwork. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity, so keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your sentences are easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications and motivations without getting lost in the details.
Apply Early Through Our Website: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might close the vacancy early if we get a lot of applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website. This way, you’ll have a better chance of being considered!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Carp Society
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your engineering fundamentals before the interview. Familiarise yourself with basic concepts related to rail engineering, as well as any specific technologies or tools mentioned in the job description. This will show your passion for the field and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past, whether in school projects or personal experiences. Highlight your ability to think critically and work through problems, as this is a key skill for an engineering apprentice. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since good verbal communication skills are essential for this role, practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms. You might be asked to describe a project or a problem you've solved, so make sure you can articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Engineering often involves teamwork, so be ready to discuss your experiences working in groups. Share specific instances where you contributed to a team effort, highlighting your collaborative skills and how you support others. This will show that you're not just a great engineer but also a great teammate.