Northern marks National Apprenticeship Week by searching for rail stars of the future

To mark National Apprenticeship Week the rail operator has launched its search for the next intake of apprentices, including 16 engineering technicians and five to work in train planning and station operations.

Northern currently has 48 engineering apprentices, based in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle, who are working their way through a three-year programme designed to provide them with a nationally recognised qualification – and a future career in the rail industry. There are also 10 operational apprentices working across the network, gaining experience in customer service and business administration.

Ben Ackroyd, Engineering Director at Northern, said: “Our apprenticeship scheme is the perfect gateway for young people looking to start their career.

“Starting as Rail Engineering Technician Apprentices, those on the scheme have the opportunity to follow a range of different career paths. Once qualified, our former apprentices can work with Northern with the production teams – perhaps as a maintenance engineer or technical engineer – or can move to other areas of the business where their skills are valued.”

Ben added: “Northern is committed to investing in the future and our apprenticeship scheme not only gives young people a clear career path, it also secures the next generation of engineers and operation teams for an ever-growing industry.

“Our latest intake will also have the benefit of getting to work on a fleet which is being enhanced by a £600m investment. We have already introduced more than 60 of our 101 brand new trains, are bringing in innovative bi-mode trains and refurbishing the rest of our existing fleet.

“From an engineering and operational perspective there has never been a better time to work at Northern and we’re looking for enthusiastic people to help us keep the north of England on the move.”

Helen Wright, Apprenticeship Manager at Northern, said: “Working in the rail industry is a great place to start a career as there is an opportunity to transfer skills and experience gained as an apprentice in a wide range of roles across the business.”

Northern’s apprenticeship programme is open for applications until 13 March with candidates needing to have at least four GCSEs with predicted grades of A-C or 9-5 which must include maths, English and science and technology.

For more information about the application process – or to submit an application – visit www.northernrailway.co.uk/corporate/careers