Thursday 6 Mar 2014
Network Rail boldly launches Star Track trainee engineering scheme for 2014
- Region & Route:
- National
School leavers across Britain are being offered the chance to join a trainee engineering design scheme, where they will earn as they learn and gain a foundation degree.
Network Rail has 20 places up for grabs on its two-year Star Track scheme. Launched in 2013 in collaboration with some of the country’s top design consultancies, the Permanent Way Institution and Sheffield Hallam University, it will help train and develop the track design engineers of the future.
The organisations have worked together to develop a foundation degree in railway engineering that will provide a blend of on-the-job training and classroom-based learning for students on the scheme. Placements in design offices, with Network Rail delivery teams and courses at Sheffield Hallam University will provide a unique learning and employment opportunity. Vacancies exist in Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Swindon and York.
Hilary Johnston, who is leading Network Rail’s recruitment for Star Track, said: “By 2020 our railway will see a further 400m journeys each year. Improved track designs are a pivotal part of our strategy to increase capacity so we can meet this additional demand, whether it is re-modelling existing track layouts or adding completely new routes. This is why we’ve worked with the industry and educators to develop this new scheme and develop the track design engineers for the future.”
Joanne Hall was one of the first people to joint the scheme in 2013. She said: "Gaining a foundation degree in Railway Engineering as well as gaining work based experience really attracted me to the course. The rail industry appealed to me because it is an ever growing industry with countless opportunities for development. I’m really enjoying working on track design so I’m hoping to develop my career in this discipline and become a design engineer."
Kelly Dickson, an assistant track design engineer for Network Rail, talked about her role and the qualities that make someone right for this career: “I really like the fact that you see something from concept, through the design process to installation. You feel really proud that you have made a difference and improved the railway. To get on you need an inquisitive mind, be prepared to ask questions and challenge assumptions. You need to have logical thought processes and be able to solve problems. A sense of humour helps as does wanting to own the design.”
Applications are being taken online now until 28 March 2014 http://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/schemes/trainee-track-engineering-design-scheme/
Notes to editors
Entry requirements: You’ll need to have GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above and either 2 A levels, one of which is maths, a science or technology subject or a BTEC (level 3) Diploma in engineering or a technology subject.
In year one trainees will receive a salary of £14,000 for the first year and £15,000 for the second year of the scheme.
The scheme starts in September 2014 and lasts two years. There are vacancies across Britain in Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Swindon and York. There is not a guarantee of a role but on successful completion of the scheme, applicants will be in a good position with relevant experience to apply for vacancies with Network Rail or partner design consultancies.
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