Summary
AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear organisation with over 80 years of design, engineering and project management expertise. We are looking for Rail Engineering Apprentices to join our existing team of apprentices, working on future testing projects.
Wage
£26,000 a year
Attractive salary progression structure to be discussed at interview.
Training course
Rail engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
Shifts to be confirmed. There is a requirement to travel daily, to work and stay away from home at locations around the UK (often for extended periods of time), and to work unsociable hours, often in inclement weather conditions.
40 hours a week
Possible start date
Monday 1 September
Duration
3 years
Positions available
8
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
As an Apprentice Tester, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on an exhilarating journey and become part of the team ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of railway signalling systems. You'll receive hands-on training, guided mentorship, and practical experience in testing and maintaining complex signalling equipment, contributing directly to the safety and reliability of the entire rail network.
Day to day you’ll be working as part of a site team alongside our client on projects which could be anything from an upgrade to a Level Crossing, to legacy work on a major renewal of railway signalling at the forefront of digital IP technology using our own ElectroLogIXS electronic interlocking and level crossing controller system.
You might not fully understand what this all means now but we’re confident that fairly quickly you will, and you’ll be as passionate as we are about developing the future of signalling.
Here's some specifics for you so you can see in more detail what you could be involved in, but don’t worry if you don’t understand it all now, we’ll help bring this to life at interview stage:
* Under the guidance of experienced professionals, you'll gain a deep understanding of railway signalling systems, safety protocols, and testing methodologies.
* Assist in conducting thorough testing, inspection, and maintenance of signalling equipment, including switches, signals, track circuits, and interlocking systems.
* Develop the ability to diagose faults and anomalies within signalling systems, working closely with the senior team members to troubleshoot and rectify issues promptly.
* Work within strict safety procedures to ensure the safety of you and your colleagues at work.
* Collaborate with senior testers, engineers, and others to enhance your understanding of signalling technology and its role within the broader railway operations.
* Contribute ideas to improve testing processes, efficiency, and safety protocols, showcasing your commitment to development and innovation.
* As you advance, gradually take on more responsibilities and develop into a skilled professional capable of independent testing and maintenance tasks.
* Thrive in a changing environment whee you will need to be agile to respond to different situations.
Where you’ll work
Woodcote Grove
Ashley Road
Epsom
Surrey
KT18 5BW
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
ELEV8 TRAINING LIMITED
Your training course
Rail engineering technician (level 3)
Equal to A level
Course contents
Your training plan
* Rail Engineering Technician Level 3 Standard
* Training schedule has yet to be agreed. Details will be made available at a later date.
More training information
Your apprenticeship will be a mix of training and hands-on experience that will complement each other across a 3 year structured programme. This starts in the first year providing you with training and information about working safely on the railway and taking you through industry recognised training courses such as Basic Signalling, Signal Works Testing Mod 5 (Assistant Tester) and Electronic Principles.
There is a blended learning approach which will include face-to-face learning, on-the-job learning, webinars, assessments, assignments and presentations. Year 2 and 3 you’ll see progression to achieving an IRSE (Institute of Railway Signal Engineers) licence and working towards professional membership. At the end of the year 3 you’ll achieve a Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician qualification and a range of industry recognised training courses.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade C/4)
* Maths (grade C/4)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Presentation skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Creative
* Initiative
Other requirements
Due to railway health and safety requirements, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old when you join us in September 2025 and will need a full clean driving licence at this point. This is essential for the role as it is site based.