Job Title: Engineering Apprentice
Location: Tees Yard, TS17 7BN
Salary: Starting salary of GBP17,360 per annum with staged uplifts throughout the apprenticeship
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Introduction
Are you looking to start a career in the rail industry? We have an exciting opportunity to join our locomotive maintenance team at Tees Yard as an Engineering Apprentice. During this 36‑month apprenticeship, you’ll work alongside experienced engineers while studying towards a Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician qualification, gaining hands‑on experience maintaining our locomotive and rolling stock fleet.
You’ll split your time between learning on the depot and attending block release weeks at college to complete the academic elements of the course.
Interviews will be held in June with exact dates to be confirmed.
Start date: 1st September 2026.
Responsibilities
During this 36‑month apprenticeship, you will gain hands‑on experience maintaining and repairing locomotives while studying towards your Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician qualification.
You’ll be supported throughout the programme by experienced engineers at the depot as well as a dedicated skills coach from our apprenticeship provider.
Skills
Through a combination of classroom learning and practical depot experience, you will develop a wide range of engineering skills relating to Traction and Rolling Stock, including:
* Safe and professional working practices, including relevant legislation, industry procedures and safety requirements.
* The scientific, technical and engineering principles required to support the maintenance of our locomotive fleet.
* Understanding engineering drawings and electrical schematics.
* Using test and measuring equipment in both metric and imperial units.
* Applying systematic fault‑finding techniques to diagnose and rectify electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
* Safely handling and using engineering tools and equipment.
* Developing problem‑solving, analytical thinking and communication skills.
* Working effectively within a team and contributing to engineering improvements and innovation.
You will also learn about key traction and rolling stock components, including:
* Braking systems
* Axles
* Wheels and bearings
* Suspension systems
* AC electric power collection
* Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
Throughout the programme, you will also develop professional skills such as time management, organisation, teamwork and communication, while gaining an understanding of continuous improvement and quality assurance within an engineering environment.
At the end of the apprenticeship, you will complete an End Point Assessment, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have developed during your time with DB Cargo UK.
Apprenticeship Structure
Most of your time will be spent gaining practical experience at the depot, alongside scheduled classroom learning with our apprenticeship provider. This will take place through block release periods, where you will attend college for the following durations:
* Year 1: 4 × 3‑week block release
* Year 2: 3 × 3‑week block release
* Year 3: 3 × 3‑week block release
Please note that, due to the location of the training provider, you will be required to lodge away during the block learning periods.
Qualifications & Requirements
* We’re looking for people with a keen interest in engineering and the desire and ambition to build a successful career with DB Cargo UK.
* Willing to play an active part of your own training and development.
* Inquisitive minded who like to understand how things work and develop your learning.
* Someone who can work as part of a team and communicate with colleagues in an honest and effective way.
* Work with safety as a number one priority with the ability to follow instructions, rules and regulations, to ensure all maintenance is carried out in a safe manner.
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