Semi Skilled Maintenance Team Member

Northern Trains Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Travel

Pension scheme

Enhanced family benefits

Cycle to work

Exclusive discounts

Employee assistance programme

Training and career development

Northern Lights and Northern Sparks

Job summary

Northern Trains Limited is seeking a hands-on maintenance technician to ensure trains are ready for journeys. You'll carry out servicing, maintenance, and repairs, supporting fault finding and cleaning, while working safely as part of a close-knit team.

You’ll work across mechanical, electrical, and vehicle systems, following safety procedures, and adapt to early mornings, evenings, weekends, and Bank Holidays as required. Training and development are provided to grow your skills.

Qualifications

• Hands-on mechanical, electrical, or plumbing skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely at all times.
• Willingness to learn and take part in training.
• Confident communicating with others and adapting to changing plans.
• Familiarity with COSHH instructions is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out routine servicing, maintenance, and repairs on trains and equipment.
• Supporting basic fault finding on traction and rolling stock.
• Cleaning train exteriors and underframes to keep everything in top condition.
• Using tools safely and handling equipment correctly.
• Managing workload to meet daily production targets.
• Following health and safety procedures at all times.

Skills

Practical skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Adaptability

Initiative

Learning mindset

COSHH reading

Job description

Keeping our trains moving safely and reliably takes care, skill, and a team that takes pride in doing things right.

As part of the production team at our TrainCare Centre, you’d play a hands-on role in making sure our trains are ready for the journeys ahead. Every clean, check, and repair helps thousands of people get where they need to be – whether that’s work, home, or somewhere in between.

This is a role where you can build practical skills, learn on the job, and see the results of your work every single day. If you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, and being part of a team that looks out for each other, you’ll feel at home here.

What you’ll be doing

No two days are exactly the same, but here’s a flavour of what you’ll get involved in:

• Carrying out routine servicing, maintenance, and repairs on trains and equipment


• Supporting basic fault finding on traction and rolling stock


• Cleaning train exteriors and underframes to keep everything in top condition


• Making sure tools and equipment are used safely, cared for, and returned correctly


• Applying practical skills across mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and vehicle systems


• Checking components meet required standards and specifications


• Managing your workload to meet daily production targets


• Following all health and safety procedures to keep yourself and others safe


• You’ll work a range of shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and Bank Holidays, so flexibility is key.

About you

You don’t need to come from a traditional engineering background to get started here. What matters most is your attitude and willingness to learn.

A few things you’ll bring:

• Practical, hands-on skills – whether mechanical, electrical, or similar


• The ability to follow instructions and work safely at all times


• Confidence working with others and communicating clearly


• A flexible approach when plans change or priorities shift


• A proactive mindset – someone who takes initiative and gets stuck in


• Willingness to learn, develop, and take part in training


• If you can read and understand safety instructions like COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), that’s great. If not, you’ll learn.

Safety-critical requirements

This role is safety critical and subject to Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. To be considered, you must:

• Live within a 45-minute car journey of your home depot


• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application


• Pass a safety-critical medical assessment, including drugs and alcohol screening

Applications that do not meet these requirements cannot be progressed.

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.


• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.


• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.


• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.


• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.


• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.


• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.


• Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.