Going to university is one route to a dream job for your students. But there are other ways they can get there. Our Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme gives young people an unrivalled opportunity. They can complete a degree while also earning a living, enjoying on-the-job training and following a rewarding career path.
Not only will they gain a university level of education without incurring student debt. They’ll also earn a salary with annual pay rises - from up to £9,550 in year one, to £14,000 in year three. In year one, we’ll also cover accommodation costs, travel to and from home on long weekends and leave periods, and make sure every apprentice has three square meals a day.
Every day, Network Rail gets 3 million people to their destination and thousands of tonnes of goods moved around the country. Rail is a greener and safer mode of transport so it’s no surprise that our railway has seen passenger numbers increase more than 40% in the past decade alone. These numbers are expected to double by 2034. That means we have to run more trains, more often and more efficiently. And we need even more talented people on board to efficiently handle that challenge.
Our Apprenticeship Scheme runs across five different areas – Track, Signalling, Telecoms, Overhead Line and Electrification and Plant. Regardless of the route they choose to take, apprentices’ first year will be spent alongside the Royal Navy at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. There, they’ll be taught the technical skills required to work on the railway, as well as developing the ability to work as leaders and as part of a team.
Year one combines hands-on practical experience with academic work towards NVQ2 and BTEC qualifications. Classes are taught by experienced rail engineers and professional trainers. Best of all, some of them are former Network Rail Apprentices, so they’ll combine professional wisdom with personal empathy and insight.
After the first year, apprentices spend two years undertaking on-the-job training at depots across the country. There, they’ll learn from experienced engineers and technicians. During this time they’ll also return to HMS Sultan for additional courses and learning.
Network Rail is recruiting for depots across Britain.
To apply, your students will need to meet the following criteria:
- They’ll need to be 17 by 31st August 2014. There is no upper age limit.
- They’ll need four GCSEs at grades A-C (or Scottish Standards 1-3), or equivalent. These must include English, maths and science or engineering. A relevant BTEC/NVQ in Level 2 above and above can replace science and engineering.
If they’d like to find out more and apply for a Network Rail Apprenticeship, please direct them to:
