UK’s largest rail operator set to hire the next generation of engineers

by | Nov 19, 2024 | Good news

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is on the hunt for the 2025 intake of apprentice engineers who are ready to take the first steps into a fulfilling career in rail.

Budding engineers will learn how to maintain GTR’s large fleet of trains and gradually take on more responsibility as their skills develop over the four-year apprenticeship.

The course is a mixture of practical and theory learning, leading to a UK-recognised trade qualification.

The apprenticeship is open to those aged 16 and above and candidates must have Level 4 or above in GCSE English, Maths and Science to qualify for the role.

Cameron Wytiahlowsky, Engineering Apprentice Trainer Assessor at GTR, said: “Engineering has always played a crucial role in the railway by keeping trains moving for thousands of customers. Now, we’re looking to recruit the next generation of engineers who are ready to take their first steps on the career ladder. This is a fantastic opportunity to earn a real salary, whilst learning the trade.

“GTR offers brilliant development opportunities, with many of our apprentices going on to gain permanent employment, and with free travel across the network, GTR provides tangible benefits to those training with us.”

One woman who is enjoying life as an engineering apprentice is Katie Short, who tried her hand at various jobs before joining GTR in 2023. Now in her second year as an apprentice, Katie, 22, is hoping to qualify as a Level 1 service engineer in 2026.

“I’ve always enjoyed practical, hands-on jobs, so I wanted to take this passion and apply it to an industry where I could create a longstanding career. I researched engineering jobs and found GTR’s apprenticeship scheme. I wanted to make a difference and be part of a team which helps keep our trains running safely, so I applied for the apprenticeship and haven’t looked back since!”

Elias Pablo, 20, used his initial rejection as an opportunity to upskill so that he was well prepared when it came to applying for an engineering apprenticeship for the second time around at GTR. He’s currently a second-year apprentice and is encouraging others to apply for the latest engineering roles.

“I’ve always been interested in building and fixing things, so when I was 17 I applied for GTR’s engineering apprenticeship because I wanted to kickstart my career as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I wasn’t accepted onto the apprenticeship, so I went away and researched courses to improve my knowledge and enrolled on a two-year electrical engineering programme in London. I was over the moon when I was accepted for the engineering apprenticeship, as all my hard work had finally paid off.”

GTR is offering a starting salary of £15,750, which gradually increases as apprentices progress through their course. Fourth year apprentices can expect to earn £22,000.

Once apprentices qualify as a Level 1 engineer, they can expect to earn approximately £37,107.