Northern has announced the beginning of a new recruitment drive as it seeks up to 18 apprentices ready to develop both mechanical and electrical engineering skills.
The operator is offering three-year apprenticeships involving classroom learning and formal on-the-job training, which will then lead to the receipt of a nationally recognised Level 3 Engineering and Rolling Stock Qualification.
Aspiring engineers are being encouraged to apply for an apprenticeship with Northern
© Northern
Following a year at Myerscough College in Preston (where they will be offered accommodation); apprentices will be based at one of three TrainCare Centres: Allerton in Liverpool, Newton Heath in Manchester or Heaton in Newcastle, or, alternatively, the light maintenance depot in Barrow-in-Furness.
Typically, roughly 90% of those who complete the apprenticeship are offered permanent positions with Northern. The operator currently employs over 1,700 people in its engineering team, all of which work on more than 370 trains across five depots and seven outstations across the North of England.
Raj Basi, Northern’s Engineering Director, said:
This is not work experience. This is an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and experience you need to work on the railway and keep services running for customers, day in day out.
We are looking to take on people who have a practical mindset and a genuine interest in engineering, so they can begin a rewarding and well-paid career in a safety-critical industry.
We’re invested in building careers that last, creating opportunities to grow and develop as the railway changes.
All applicants must be over the age of 15 when applying and 16 or older by 1 September 2026. They will be required to hold at least 5 GCSEs, with a 5-9 or equivalent in Maths, English, Science and two other subjects, and should live within a 45-minute drive of the TrainCare Centre or light maintenance depot they are applying for.
Interested parties may sign up via the Northern website, here.