Rail Foundation Apprenticeship — Hands-on Rail Training

East Midlands Railway; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

32 days annual leave (including bank)

Free travel on East Midlands Railway

75% discount on other rail train firms

Discounted friends and family tickets

Personal development opportunities

Job summary

East Midlands Railway is recruiting for a Rail Foundation Apprentice based in Derby. You will rotate through placements across the rail industry to build the skills and confidence for a rail career. The programme emphasizes safety, customer service, and teamwork while offering travel across the EMR network and progression opportunities.

You don’t need railway experience. If you have a positive attitude and a commitment to safety, you could start a rewarding apprenticeship that develops your

Qualifications

• No railway experience required.
• Age 17–21 at start; 22–24 may qualify if meeting at least one Foundation Apprenticeship criterion.
• Must be able to complete apprenticeship coursework and assessments.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through placements across the rail industry and learn how teams work together to keep the railway safe, reliable and moving.
• Contribute to delivering excellent customer service and creating a welcoming experience for passengers.
• Follow safe working practices and demonstrate safety‑critical behaviours.
• Communicate clearly with customers and colleagues across different railway environments.
• Identify and report hazards, faults, or incidents using the proper procedures.
• Support railway operations and respond to disruption and emergencies under supervision.

Skills

Customer service

Safety awareness

Communication

Risk reporting

Rail operations support

Teamwork

Progress ownership

Resilience

Education

GCSEs or equivalent

Job description

East Midlands Railway is recruiting for a Rail Foundation Apprentice based in Derby. You will rotate through placements across the rail industry to build the skills and confidence for a rail career. The programme emphasizes safety, customer service, and teamwork while offering travel across the EMR network and progression opportunities.

You don’t need railway experience. If you have a positive attitude and a commitment to safety, you could start a rewarding apprenticeship that develops your