Job Title
Engineering Apprentice
Location
Warrington, WA1 1LL
Job Type
Full Time, Permanent
Salary
Starting salary of £17,360 per annum with staged uplifts throughout the apprenticeship.
About the Role
Are you looking to start a career in the rail industry? We have an exciting opportunity to join our locomotive maintenance team at Warrington as an Engineering Apprentice. During this 36‑month apprenticeship, you'll work alongside experienced engineers while studying toward 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: 1 September 2026.
What will you be doing?
During this 36‑month apprenticeship, you will gain hands‑on experience maintaining and repairing locomotives while studying toward your Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician qualification.
You will be supported throughout the programme by experienced engineers at the depot, as well as a dedicated skills coach from our apprenticeship provider.
Skills and Learning
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, such as:
* Braking systems
* Axles
* Wheels and bearings
* Suspension systems
* AC electric power collection
* Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
Throughout the programme, you will develop professional skills such as time management, organisation, teamwork, communication, continuous improvement and quality assurance within an engineering environment.
At the end of the apprenticeship, you will complete an End Point Assessment, demonstrating the knowledge and skills you have developed during your time with DB Cargo UK.
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 because of the training provider’s location, you will be required to lodge away during the block‑learning periods.
Qualifications and Requirements
* Interest in engineering and the desire to build a successful career with DB Cargo UK.
* Willingness to actively participate in your own training and development.
* Inquisitive mindset to understand how things work and develop your learning.
* Capacity to work as part of a team and communicate with colleagues honestly and effectively.
* Commitment to safety as the number one priority, following instructions, rules and regulations.
* Minimum of three GCSEs, including Maths and English at Grade 4 (or equivalent to a C). Evidence must be provided at the interview stage.
* Live within a 60‑minute commute of the depot location.
* Be 18 years of age or older due to the safety‑critical nature of the role.
* Will undergo a safety‑critical medical assessment, including drug and alcohol screening.
* Experience as an Apprentice Engineer, Junior Engineering Technician, Junior Engineering Operative or Trainee Engineer will also be considered.
Benefits
* Starting salary of £17,360 per annum, with staged uplifts throughout the apprenticeship.
* Defined Contribution pension scheme with up to 10 % employer contribution.
* Free on‑site parking.
* EV charging at selected sites.
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
* Access to the employee benefits portal for shop and service discounts, and wellbeing content.
* Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing.
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