People across the north west are welcome to apply
People across the north west are welcome to apply
One of the largest train operators in the country has launched a recruitment drive aimed at those aspiring to kick start their career in the industry. Northern, the second largest train operator in the country, said it is looking to hire up to 18 apprentices who want to “develop the mechanical and electrical engineering skills needed to fix and maintain trains”.
They will take on a three-year apprenticeship, which will include classroom learning and on-the-job training, before they qualify for a nationally recognised Level 3 Engineering and Rolling Stock qualification.
The apprentices will compete a year at Myerscough College in Preston, with accommodation offered, and will be based at one of three TrainCare Centres – either in Allerton, Newton Heath in Manchester or Heaton in Newcastle – or the light maintenance depot in Barrow-in-Furness.
Around nine out of ten people who complete the apprenticeship are offered permanent positions with Northern.
The train operator currently employs more than 1,700 people in its engineering team, working across more than 370 trains at five depots and seven outstations across the north of England.
Raj Basi, Northern’s engineering director, said: “This is not work experience. This is an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and experience you need to work on the railway and keep services running for customers, day in day out.
“We are looking to take on people who have a practical mindset and a genuine interest in engineering, so they can begin a rewarding and well-paid career in a safety-critical industry.
“We’re invested in building careers that last, creating opportunities to grow and develop as the railway changes.”
Applicants must be over the age of 15 when they apply and 16 or older by September 1 in 2026.
They need at least five GCSEs, with a 5-9 or equivalent in Maths, English, Science and two other subjects, and should live within a 45-minute drive of the TrainCare Centre or light maintenance depot they are applying for.
Anyone who is interested in an apprenticeship can find out more information and apply here.
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
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