Apprentice - Rail Engineering Technician: Level 3 - Central Rivers 2026

Alstom; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 18,000; Full time

Job summary

A world-leading engineering company is offering an exciting opportunity for an Apprenticeship Development Programme in Burton-upon-Trent. Candidates will engage in various placements to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business, work on diagnosing and repairing faults, and complete academic studies alongside practical work. The role requires a minimum of 5 GCSEs including Math and English, with a focus on mechanical and electrical abilities. Comprehensive training and support will be provided along with a fixed-term appointment.

Benefits

Comprehensive training and support

Dynamic reward package

Opportunities for career growth

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 GCSE’s of Grade 4 - 9 including Math, English and a Science.
• Good mechanical/electrical ability combined with understanding the importance of precision and accuracy.
• Self-motivated and able to demonstrate commitment to achieving the apprenticeship standard.

Responsibilities

• Operate carrying out designated tasks within the team assigned.
• Become trained and competent in carrying out daily and safety exams on Bi-mode EMUs.
• Provide technical support to the depot teams in primary fault finding/reporting.

Skills

Good mechanical/electrical ability

Self-motivated

Teamwork

Education

Minimum 5 GCSEs of Grade 4-9 including Math, English, and a Science

Job description

Req ID:505476

Appointment Basis: Fixed Term.

Location: Burton-upon-Trent (Central Rivers), DE13 8ES

Application Deadline: 30th January 2026

Salary: £18,000 per annum

At Alstom, we understand transport networks and what moves people. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, and trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, we offer our diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. Every day, 80,000 colleagues lead the way to greener and smarter mobility worldwide, connecting cities as we reduce carbon and replace cars.

Your future role

This is an opportunity to join a world-leading engineering company through a well-established 39 month (to include End Point Assessment) Apprenticeship Development Programme. You will work alongside experienced professionals and receive strong support, mentoring and coaching while developing against the Apprenticeship Standard.

The programme includes placements across multiple departments to build a broad understanding of the business. Placements are planned to support your development and provide a varied, rewarding experience.

You will be working as part of a multifunctional team responsible for diagnosing and repairing faults along with undertaking daily service exams.

Academic college studies will be combined with real life work-based experience across our organisation. Your qualification will be completed at Reaseheath College – training will be delivered by block release. The remainder of the time is spent at work in the depot where you will have the opportunity to build and gather evidence of your competence whilst working towards a formal qualification.

Key Duties

• Operate at an appropriate level carrying out designated tasks within the team assigned.
• Become trained and competent in carrying out daily and safety exams on all stable traction Bi mode EMU’s
• Carry out general depot duties e.g.: Line of Routes
• Provide technical support to the depot teams in the provision of primary fault finding/reporting
• Provide basic maintenance competency e.g.: side skirt cleans, brake pads, block changes etc.
• Carry out depot cleaning/general housekeeping
• Driving company vehicles if certified
• Crane driving and lifting equipment and training as required
• Provide corrective maintenance (Electrical or Mechanical)
• Provide preventative maintenance (Electrical or Mechanical)
• Provide secondary fault finding
• Positioning of fault data into shared drive facility
• Carry out Testing & Re-commissioning activities on vehicles and trains in accordance with pre-written test and commissioning procedures
• Investigate technical problems as instructed by central systems support team
• Functionally test train borne systems with minimal supervision using a variety of techniques and methods, including the use of computer-based diagnostics systems

What do I need to qualify for this job?

You will need (orbe predicted to have): - Minimum 5 GCSE’s of Grade 4 - 9 - This should include Math’s, English and a Science

We value passion and attitude over experience. That's why we don't expect you to have every single skill. Instead, we've listed some that we think will help you succeed and grow in this role.

• Good mechanical/electrical ability combined with understanding the importance of precision and accuracy
• Self-motivated and able to demonstrate commitment to achieving the apprenticeship standard
• Be able to act as a member of a multi-disciplined team (with flexibility around team roles), and also able to work on your own initiative where required.

Mobility by nature

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFRqlwbmKts

Join us on a life-long transformative journey – the rail industry is here to stay, so you can grow and develop new skills and experiences throughout your career.

You’ll also:

• Enjoy stability, challenges and a long-term career free from boring daily routines
• Collaborate with transverse teams and helpful colleagues
• Contribute to innovative projects
• Steer your career in whatever direction you choose across functions and countries
• Benefit from our investment in your development, through award-winning learning
• Benefit from a fair and dynamic reward package that recognises your performance and potential, plus comprehensive and competitive social coverage (life, medical, pension)

You don’t need to be a train enthusiast to thrive with us. We guarantee that when you step onto one of our trains with your friends or family, you’ll be proud. If you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!

As part of the application process, you will need to answer a series of mandatory questions; please allocate time in going through and answering them to the best of your ability. The recruitment process includes online tests, assessment centre, competency interview. You will be contacted via email if you are successful at each stage.

We wish you the best of luck for all the steps and look forward to getting to know you!

Equal opportunity statement

Alstom is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by local law.

As a 'Disability Confident' employer, we will interview all disabled job applicants who match the essential criteria of the job description or specification. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise.