Our Level 3 Operations Apprenticeship is your opportunity to learn on the job whilst studying for a professional qualification.
Start your career with us and do meaningful work every day at Network Rail.
About you
You’re 18 years or older
Qualifications
You’ll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) inclusive of English Language and Maths. We’re also looking for candidates that can demonstrate the following behaviours:
Calm under pressure
Great communicator
Team worker
Problem solver
Your training programme
At the heart of the rail network are our teams running the day-to-day operations.
Our wide-ranging service manages all the systems and processes that keep the rail network running safely. It includes: signallers in our regional Rail Operating Centres or lone signal boxes; incident response teams that help reopen any part of the network that’s blocked; level crossing managers and station customer service teams.
We’ve developed our operations apprenticeship to teach apprentices about the whole rail system and how different roles work together to ensure a safe service. It offers a great starting point for your career in rail operations. Our 18-month programme gives you practical hands-on experience and strong foundations of industry knowledge.
Your training and learning experiences will cover all areas of operations. They’ll include: stations, signalling, control, incident response, electrical control, planning and maintenance. You’ll also have a placement with a train operating company to get another perspective of our railway.
And all your training will prepare you for your assessment where you’ll become a member of the Institution of Railway Operators and a qualified signaller. What’s more, you’ill receive mobile operations manager competence and varied experiences will open up opportunities across our business.
Your learning journey
A blended approach of classroom learning and placements to understanding the customer experience and the impact that railway operations can have on our passengers.<\/p>\n"},{"is_icon":false,"icon":"","title":"Incident management & response part 1 ","description":"
A classroom module and time with a Mobile Operations Manager, Information Controller, Network Delivery Manager, Incident Controller and British Transport Police.<\/p>\n"},{"is_icon":false,"icon":"","title":"Incident management & response part 2 ","description":"
Time with Fault Control, Community Safety Managers and Community Rail Partnerships.<\/p>\n"},{"is_icon":false,"icon":"","title":"Maintenance placement","description":"
A placement within Maintenance to fully understand the trust that our track workers put in signallers to help to keep them safe. You\u2019ll spend time with Section Planners and the Fault Team.<\/p>\n"},{"is_icon":false,"icon":"","title":"Operations placement \u2013 access planning, timetable planning & electrical control placement","description":"
Includes classroom learning: Intro to Electrical Control as well as time with Electrical Control, Route Access Planning.<\/p>\n"},{"is_icon":false,"icon":"","title":"Train Operating Company placement","description":"
Gain knowledge and experience of the working relationship between Network Rail and the train operating companies. Experience a day in the life of a Train Manager and see railway operations from their perspective.<\/p>\n"},{"is_icon":false,"icon":"","title":"On the job development ","description":"
Time spent developing in a signalling location.<\/p>\n"},{"is_icon":false,"icon":"","title":"End point assessment ","description":"
To put all your learning into practice. We\u2019ll prepare you for your final assessment in becoming a member of the Institution of Railway Operators.<\/p>\n"}]" :key="i" :i="i" :title="item.title" :icon-name="item.icon" :description="item.description" :is-expanded="slotProps.activeItem === i ? true : false" @expand="slotProps.handleExpand">
Watch the video below to hear from Ivy and Katie, who talk through their experiences during their placements on the programme.
You matter to us
You support Britain’s economic development
A great alternative to full time education by learning on the job
You’ll have opportunities for progression to realise your potential
You gain a professional qualification
Your salary & benefits
£26,485 starting salary
Performance related pay scheme to recognise your work
Subsidies of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets
My benefits – Our discounted online shopping site
28 days annual leave
一系列pension schemes
What opportunities are available at the end of the scheme?
As well as gaining a qualification, you will benefit from a well-rounded operational experience that will provide opportunities. After securing your initial operations role, the possibilities are endless. Hear from Owen, one of our ex-apprentices.
Owen has worked his way up to a senior renewals and enhancements engineer, responsible for the signals and control systems across the route.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Owen also continued his education while climbing the career ladder. Network Rail funded his master\u2019s degree in engineering from the University of Birmingham.<\/p>\n
\u201cI get to really make a difference to people\u2019s journeys and to be part of the team responsible for making sure the signalling systems are working so passengers can get to where they need to be.<\/p>\n
I\u2019d encourage anyone who is leaving school or wants to change their career to think about an apprenticeship. It has given me a good knowledge of the job and has really helped me to get where I am now.\u201d<\/p>\n"}]" :key="i" :i="i" :title="item.title" :icon-name="item.icon" :description="item.description" :is-expanded="slotProps.activeItem === i ? true : false" @expand="slotProps.handleExpand">
How to apply
- Application– completed on our career’s portal, you’ll need an up to date CV.
- Application questions– completed online, you’ll need 10 minutes in a safe, quiet location where you’re comfortable to answer questions about your interest and understanding of the apprenticeship programme.
- Virtual assessment– you’ll take part in in an online assessment which will include aVideo interviewto talk through your skills and experiences in more detail.
- Pre-employment checks– As part of the virtual assessment, you’ll need to provide your documents to prove your identity and right to work in the UK –proof of address, driving licence and national insurance.
- Offer– you’ll receive a call from our Careers Team to discuss further details including your medical declaration.
- Induction– you’ll receive more information about your apprenticeship programme.
COVID-19
Your well-being and the health and safety of our workforce is our top priority; we are following guidance from Public Health England and are taking extra precautions to reduce risk. This means all interviews and assessments will be held virtually.
Application advice
We want to see you at your best, so here are some tips to help you during the application process.
Application tips
Assessment centre tips
Interview tips
Frequently asked questions
Applicants don\u2019t need to be able to drive but they will need to be able to get to their place of work \u2013 which can sometimes be in remote locations. \u00a0As such we require you to live within 60 minutes of your place of work during your application.<\/p>\n"},{"is_icon":false,"icon":"","title":"What qualifications will I get at the end of the programme?","description":"
Successful completion of the scheme awards you a Level 3 Rail Infrastructure Operator apprenticeship qualification and eligibility for Associate level of membership with the Institution of Railway Operators.<\/p>\n"},{"is_icon":false,"icon":"","title":"Why do I need a medical?","description":"
If we offer you a place on the apprenticeship scheme, one of the conditions will be that you attend a medical. This is because you\u2019ll be working in safety critical environments and it\u2019s important we understand if there\u2019s anything we need to know about to keep you safe.<\/p>\n
The medical includes hearing and vision checks and you\u2019ll be asked about any existing medical conditions or medication you\u2019re taking. At the same time there are tests for drugs and alcohol.<\/p>\n"},{"is_icon":false,"icon":"","title":"What qualifications do I need to join this scheme?","description":"
You\u2019ll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) inclusive of English Language and Maths.<\/p>\n"},{"is_icon":false,"icon":"","title":"What happens if I don\u2019t pass the assessment at the end of the scheme?","description":"
If this is the case, you\u2019ll discuss your options with your line manager.<\/p>\n
What happens next will depend on the reason for failing, don\u2019t worry we\u2019re here to help you every step of the way!<\/p>\n"},{"is_icon":false,"icon":"","title":"What happens after the scheme?","description":"
This programme will allow you to gain an all rounded appreciation of operations in the Rail industry with an industry recognised qualification, so you\u2019re well equipped on your career journey. You\u2019ll have an industry recognised qualification; an Associate level of membership with the Institution of Railway Operators<\/p>\n"}]" :key="i" :i="i" :title="item.title" :icon-name="item.icon" :description="item.description" :is-expanded="slotProps.activeItem === i ? true : false" @expand="slotProps.handleExpand">