Ready to kickstart a career with the UK's largest train operating company?
Are you looking to earn while you learn?
If the answer is yes, then our four‑year Engineering Apprenticeship could be the start of a fulfilling career for you.
At GTR, we’re investing in people like you — giving you the skills, support and opportunities to grow. Our teams keep trains running every single day of the year, and we’re proud to be shaping the future of sustainable transport.
What’s in it for you?
* Earn a real salary from your first day
* Gain a nationally recognised qualification
* Rotate around our main depots (Selhurst, Battersea, Brighton and Hornsey) and learn from experienced engineers
* Build a wide range of mechanical, electrical and electronic skills — from fault‑finding and testing to maintenance and repair
* Join a supportive team of apprentices, mentors and managers who will be with you every step of the way
Who we’re looking for
* You don’t need previous engineering or railway experience — just commitment, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
* Expect to achieve (or already hold) GCSEs at grade 4/C or above in Maths, English and Science (or equivalent)
* Enjoy problem‑solving and have good practical maths ability
* Be curious about how things work
* Can travel to East Surrey College (Redhill) and across our network when needed
* Can meet the required medical standards
* We actively encourage applications from all diverse backgrounds — we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Salary & progression
Starting at £17,245 rising to £24,090
With excellent prospects once you’ve completed your apprenticeship.
When completing the application form, if you don’t yet have a National Insurance number, please type in AB 12 34 56 C
“I’m a Thameslink passenger host and team leader based at Luton station and I’m currently doing a Level 3 Supervisor apprenticeship so that I can improve my skills even further. I was hesitant to do the apprenticeship at first because of my age – I left school over 60 years ago without any qualifications! It’s been hard to get back into the routine of learning again.”
Tonderai Matizha‑Johnson
Area Operations Manager
“When I saw that GTR was advertising places for its apprenticeship scheme I looked into it straight away because I thought it was a great opportunity to learn whilst getting real life experience in a 9‑5 job. I applied for a level three business administration apprenticeship and was thrilled to find out I had a place on the course! I was so excited that I didn’t even mind it was 250 miles away from where I lived.”
“Working for GTR is very rewarding and fulfilling. You really feel like you’re making a difference to customers, no matter what role you’re in as at the end of the day they’re the heart of our business. I’ve had lots of opportunities to explore other aspects of the business including supporting our station staff and gaining my Train Dispatch Licence which has been enriching for my experience here.”
“If you’ve always had an interest in rail, or maybe you’re just curious to find out what working in the railway might look like, GTR is the operator to go for. Not many companies do an official work experience programme and this unique opportunity will give you a good grounding with varied activities to help you find the best place in the railway for you. It certainly did it for me.”
Nathaniel Owen
Station Manager
“I work as part of the Fleet Infrastructure team, which means ensuring our 18 Engineering locations operate safely and efficiently. We oversee all building and track maintenance works as well as various minor and major projects across the network.”
“I started in a small ticket office back in 1996 and have continued to work my way up ever since. A previous manager told me about a job he’d seen advertised for a trainer. I’d never considered a job in HR or mentoring before then, but he said I’d be perfect for it and I haven’t looked back since!”
Zoey Hudson
Head of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion
“Since April, I’ve helped to support our Kickstart Scheme. It’s been a really rewarding process to be part of because I know first‑hand how tough it can be to find work once you’re out of it.”
“I love the freedom that comes with being a train driver. Obviously, there are rules and regulations to follow as well as duties and commitments to carry out, but in a way, you’re sort of you own boss, which is nice.”
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