Train operator Northern looks to recruit up to 16 engineering apprentices

The apprentices will be based at one of five ‘TrainCare Centres’ across the North of England, including: Heaton in Newcastle, Botanic Gardens in Hull, Neville Hill in Leeds, Newton Heath in Manchester and Allerton in Liverpool.

Jack Commandeur, engineering director at Northern, said: “These roles are a great opportunity for anyone interested in engineering to join a team of experts maintaining and developing our diverse fleet of trains.

“These roles will help develop the talents of budding engineers across the North of England who are looking for a career that speaks to their passion for science and technology.”

The apprentice roles offer a starting salary of £15,817 per annum, rising to £18,963 per annum during the apprenticeship – and benefits including free train travel on the Northern network.

Whilst the vacancies are open to all, the operator is targeting its recruitment campaign at school and college-leavers, aged 16-22, with a minimum of five GCSEs including English, maths and science.

The focus on young people is aimed at helping to help nurture the next generation of railway engineers and engineering leaders. The closing date for applications is Sunday, December 11.

Alexandra Widdop, one of Northern’s engineering apprentices, said: “I’m in the third year of my apprenticeship and I love it. I’ve learnt so much from the team and I’ve had chance to work on trains across the fleet. If you’re interested in solving problems and embracing new technology – this is a great industry to work in.”

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,000 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.