Media centre

Tuesday 21 Aug 2018

New opportunities to join Network Rail apprenticeship scheme in North Wales

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Budding engineers are being encouraged to apply for Network Rail’s Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme, which is now open for applications to join the scheme in March 2019.

An opportunity to join the Network Rail in Wales and Borders team in Llandudno as an apprentice is open for applications.

Bill Kelly, acting route managing director for Network Rail in Wales and Borders said: “The people working for Network Rail in Wales and Borders are our greatest asset and central to providing a safe and reliable railway for our passengers every day.

“It is an exciting time for the railway in Wales and Borders.  I urge anyone that has the determination, talent and enthusiasm to work in a role where you not only make a difference every single day but also contribute to building the railway for the future, to join us by applying for the Advanced Apprenticeship scheme today.”

Rhys Hughes, based in Porthmadog, who has recently graduated from the apprentice scheme, said:

“I applied for the scheme after graduating from university with a degree in Architecture. I learnt during my degree that I preferred the engineering side of the course so I looked for jobs targeted more towards engineering and I found the apprenticeship advertisement online.

“A highlight of the apprentice scheme for me is the annual award ceremony.  I was even awarded twice in my first year which was a great confidence boost. I think it’s great that the organisation recognises the hard work of apprentices.

 “I have gained invaluable experience throughout the scheme, and learned a lot from some very skilled team members, who are always willing to teach you if you aren’t sure of something.  The apprenticeship offers such a wide range of experience to help you learn about all the different opportunities available at Network Rail. From learning about different disciplines, procedures and work methods, this experience will help me no end and will stay with me during my career – I couldn’t recommend the scheme enough!”

What does Network Rail’s apprenticeship scheme involve?

The apprentices will play a vital role in the team of front line engineers and technicians who fix and maintain Wales and Borders’ rail infrastructure. They will have the opportunity to ‘earn while they learn’, gaining valuable work experience, transferable skills and recognised qualifications along the way.

The first 21 weeks of the scheme are spent living and learning at Network Rail’s state of the art training centre in the Midlands. Apprentices then spend the rest of the scheme working from a depot close to home, specialising in disciplines such as electrification, signalling, telecoms and track.

The scheme has been running since 2005, with more than 2,000 engineers completing the scheme.

Who can apply?

The scheme is open to anyone who will be aged 18 on 31 March 2019, with no upper age limit.

What career opportunities does the scheme offer?

Apprentices are guaranteed a job upon completion of the three-year course and more than four in five of those who started on the scheme a decade ago are still working for Network Rail today.

With hands-on projects and dedicated support, apprentices can also study for further qualifications and gain chartered membership of a professional engineering institute.

The scheme also has a far higher retention rate than the national average for engineering. 75% of those that complete the scheme choose to go into employment with Network Rail, compared to the national average for engineering of 55%.

How can I apply?

Visit networkrail.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships/  to apply or for more information.