Network Rail doubles number of apprenticeships

Network Rail is set to double the number of apprenticeships offered nationwide, with 600 places to be offered over the next 12 months across a range of disciplines. These include new opportunities in cyber security and digital railway, as the organisation looks to future-proof the skills it needs to enable the travelling public to make over four million journeys a day.

The company is currently recruiting for 177 apprentices to joins its award-winning Advanced Apprenticeships Scheme, which delivers the front line engineers vital to keeping the rail network running. Trainees specialise in one of five disciplines: track, signalling, overhead lines, electrical & plant, and telecom.

As well as the Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme, Network Rail is also set to increase the number and range of business apprenticeships that it offers. In addition to the rail technician apprenticeships, the company offers apprenticeships in corporate functions such as accounting, HR, project management and commercial surveying all leading to professional qualifications. The number on offer will be doubled over the next year.

Guy Wilmshurst-Smith, Network Rail’s head of professional development and training said: “Network Rail is committed to investing in the future talent that we need to build and maintain the bigger, better railway that Britain wants, and apprentices are a vital part of that Railway Upgrade Plan. The rail industry is one of Britain’s success stories as more and more people want to travel by train. Demand has doubled over the last 20 years and is set to double again in the next 25 years, so we need more people to help make that possible.

“Unlike many apprenticeships, our schemes have no upper age limits, so are suitable for anyone wanting to build a career in an industry that impacts millions of people every day. All that we ask is that our applicants have a passion for making a difference. “

Marisa Bajerski, who is just completing her first year of the Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme, said: “I’ve loved my time so far on the apprenticeship scheme. There has been so much variety in the job - from working inside an office to being out on a track - and I’m meeting and working with different people all the time. It has given me so much confidence in myself and my abilities, especially now that I’m based in a depot and can really see my work helping people to make their rail journeys and get to where they need to be.

“I joined Network Rail because it offers so many opportunities; as long as you are capable and willing to work hard, the company will support you. I’ve seen that many apprentices go on to study degrees and post-graduate qualifications and I’m definitely hoping to do the same. Network Rail was my company of choice and I know I’ve made the right decision coming to work here.”

Further information can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/apprentices