Kickâstart an exciting engineering career that helps keep Scotlandâs railways moving. On this fourâyear Rail Apprenticeship, youâll gain the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to maintain and repair our fleet of onâtrack machines (OTMs), which play a critical role in ensuring the rail network remains safe, reliable and efficient.\n\nAbout the programme\n\nOur On Track Engineering Technician Apprenticeship offers a structured blend of academic learning and practical experience within railway engineering. Youâll play a part in maintaining and operating essential onâtrack machinery that supports national rail infrastructure and helps keep services running smoothly for customers and the public.\n\nYour first six months will be spent fullâtime at college, where youâll build a strong foundation in engineering principles, systems and safety. After this initial phase, your learning continues through a mix of onâsite practical training and one day per week of college study.\n\nDay to day, youâll shadow experienced engineers and fitters, gradually taking on supervised tasks such as routine inspections, system checks, basic repairs and operational support across a range of OTMs. Youâll also take part in safety briefings, planned maintenance, diagnostic activities, and exercises designed to help you understand how faults are identified and resolved.\n\nThroughout the programme, youâll gain exposure to a wide variety of engineering work, including machine calibration, trackâsurveying support, asset maintenance and reliability improvement projects. Youâll work directly on Babcockâs specialist fleet, gaining experience with the equipment used to maintain, measure and adjust track infrastructure across the rail network.\n\nBy the end of the apprenticeship, youâll have developed strong mechanical, electrical and hydraulic engineering knowledge, as well as skills in faultâfinding, maintenance, safe working practices, communication and teamwork. Along the way, youâll also gain important professional behaviours including problemâsolving, attention to detail and a clear focus on safety. Your training begins with 20 weeks at East Kilbride Group Training (approximately September to April). During this period, you will complete an SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Level 5 and an NC in Engineering Systems at SCQF Level 6. This initial phase covers a wide range of core learning, including safety compliance, technical data interpretation, efficient working practices, systems principles, measurement techniques and the use of IT applications.\n\nFrom years 2 to 4, you will move into the workplace fullâtime while working towards the EAL Diploma in Engineering Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance at SCQF Level 7. Alongside this, you will study one day per week toward an HNC in Engineering Systems, allowing you to continue building your theoretical knowledge. During this stage, your learning will focus on diagnosing faults, applying sustainability practices, commissioning engineering systems and developing key metaâskills such as critical thinking, problemâsolving, adaptability and creativity.\n\nPlease note: Youâll work daytime hours during the early part of your training, and later move onto night shifts â including some weekends â working both indoors and outdoors, in all conditions.\nOnce you complete the programme, you will be fully prepared to step into the role of an On Track Engineering Technician, responsible for maintaining, repairing and supporting our specialist fleet of onâtrack machines. You can expect to earn a competitive salary exceeding £20,000, with clear opportunities for further progression as you gain experience.\n\nDepending on your interests and strengths, you could progress into roles such as Plant Engineer, Plant Planner, Plant Fitter or Driver/Operator. With continued development and additional qualifications, these positions can offer earning potential of £30,000 or more.\n\nThis apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for longâterm career growth, with opportunities to advance into senior technical roles, supervisory positions or specialist engineering posts across the wider organisation. 5 National 5s or GCSEs at grade D/3 or above, including Maths, English and Science.\nYour placement is conditional on successfully completing a Drugs and Alcohol Screening and a Railway Medical.