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Wednesday 4 Mar 2026

Scottish Apprenticeship Week: The Lewis Hamilton story

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail is celebrating the success of its apprentice programme this Scottish Apprenticeship Week, highlighting the journey of rising railway engineer Lewis Hamilton as he powers through his second year of training.

After joining the programme in 2024, Lewis began his career gaining hands‑on experience at the training centre in East Kilbride. This includes welding, safety, mechanical skills, electrical stuff etc but nothing out on site

He joined the apprentice programme at the age of 29 after deciding his previous career wasn’t going the way he wanted.

“I didn’t see myself in the railway and sometimes thought it was a wee bit late for me to start retraining but it has been really good and it’s a role I’m happy to be in.”

One year on, the apprentice is racing through the programme and gearing up for an exciting career as a valued railway engineer.

Lewis said: “Since last year, I’m a lot more comfortable and confident. I know what’s expected of me day to day.

“Being trusted with tasks has been one of my proudest moments so far. If we’re on a big job it gets split up into tasks, and the person supervising will be there to support me but let me know that I’m running the show and trusting me to get the job done safely. It feels good.”

“If you’re willing to learn, put the effort in and work safely, I think it’s one of the best opportunities you can have. You get great experience and training, and you get a career for life that you can continue to build on.”

Lewis's journey is just one of many from people who’ve chosen to begin their career with Scotland’s Railway.

Network Rail is currently searching for Scotland’s next generation of railway engineers with 26 opportunities available on the 2026 SCQF Level 7 Engineering Apprenticeship.

This Scottish Apprenticeship Week, the organisation is inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to discover how an apprenticeship could be the start of their journey too.

Ross McNab, early careers manager at Network Rail, said: “Our apprenticeship programme provides a strong, structured pathway into engineering while giving people the chance to contribute to the safe and reliable running of Scotland’s Railway.

“We take great pride in supporting apprentices as they develop their skills, build their confidence and take on meaningful responsibility across our network.”

To help people discover what an apprenticeship could offer, the Early Careers team will be out at stations this week:

• 3 March, 10:00-14:00 – Edinburgh Waverley
• 5 March, 10:00-14:00 – Glasgow Central

Interested candidates can apply now on Network Rail’s website.

Successful candidates will help look after nearly 3,000 miles of track, over 14,000 bridges, and keep around 2,500 trains moving through the country every day.