UK Degree Apprenticeship Programme: Rail Systems Engineering

Mott MacDonald; Manchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Mott MacDonald is offering a paid degree apprenticeship in Rail Systems Engineering. You will enrol on the BEng degree while gaining hands‑on experience on real rail projects within the Track team.

The programme combines structured academic study with workplace learning, helping you build technical and professional skills from day one. Applicants should have A-levels or equivalent and will study at partner universities on a block-release basis.

Qualifications

• A-levels or equivalent and looking to undertake a degree apprenticeship (level 6).
• You will enrol onto the Rail Systems Engineering BEng at LSBU or Sheffield Hallam University, delivered as block release.

Responsibilities

• Earn while you learn through a paid degree apprenticeship.
• Develop technical and professional skills by applying what you learn directly in the workplace.
• Join the Rail Systems Engineering Track team and contribute to real rail projects while studying for your degree.

Education

A-levels or equivalent (degree apprenticeship level 6)

Job description

These opportunities are for those who have A-levels or equivalent and looking to undertake a degree apprenticeship (level 6). We will close for applications on 15th January 2027.

Application process

• Application form
• Online strengths-based assessment

CVs and cover letters are not required as part of the application process. Candidates will be assessed through a single-stage strengths-based interview.

Eligibility

If you are successful and are offered an apprenticeship with us, you will enrol onto the Rail Systems Engineering BEng at London South Bank University, or Sheffield Hallam University, the courses will be delivered as block release.

For more information including their grade requirements, please visit:

Rail and rail systems senior engineer | Sheffield Hallam University

Rail and Rail Systems Engineering Apprenticeship BEng (Hons) | London South Bank University

Are you ready to start your career journey with purpose, passion, and possibility? Our apprenticeships offer more than just a job - they’re an opportunity to shape your future.

As a paid degree apprentice, you’ll gain hands‑on experience working on real projects while studying towards your degree. You’ll develop your technical and professional skills alongside experienced engineers, applying what you learn through your studies directly in the workplace.

Help shape the future of rail

Imagine beginning your engineering career by helping create safer, more reliable and more sustainable transport connections for the communities that depend on them.

As a Railway Engineering Degree Apprentice within our Track team, you’ll have the opportunity to do exactly that. From day one, you’ll be part of a collaborative team, contributing to real rail projects while learning from experienced engineers and developing towards your BEng (Honours) Railway Engineering degree.

You’ll combine academic study with practical experience, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn and see the impact of engineering decisions in the real world.

Most importantly, you won’t be expected to know everything when you join us. This is an apprenticeship designed to help you build your knowledge, confidence and experience over time, with support from the people around you.

Our Transport team

We help conceive, develop and deliver transport solutions for cities, regions and infrastructure owners and operators around the world.

Our expertise spans the entire project lifecycle, from developing business cases and advising on areas such as procurement, revenue and environmental legislation through to engineering design, infrastructure delivery and ongoing asset management.

Our planning, engineering, environmental and management specialists work together to solve complex challenges responsibly, creating solutions that connect people and places while delivering lasting benefits for society.

Beyond transport, our teams also contribute to complex multidisciplinary civil engineering projects, including water and power tunnels, as well as providing specialist advisory services in areas such as technology and socio‑economics.

Our Transport unit consists of four divisions:

• Aviation, Maritime and Offshore
• Heavy Civil Infrastructure
• Rail
• Transport and Mobility Solutions

You'll be joining an environment where collaboration across teams, disciplines and locations helps us share knowledge, challenge ideas and achieve better outcomes together.

Your apprenticeship

An apprenticeship allows you to earn while you learn, combining a paid role and valuable workplace experience with structured academic study.

Meet your team

You'll join our Rail division's Track team, working alongside people with a wide variety of skills and experiences, including civil and mechanical engineers, engineering managers, project managers and technical specialists.

Different perspectives make our teams stronger. You'll have opportunities to learn from colleagues with different professional backgrounds, share your own ideas and work together to solve complex engineering problems.

Our portfolio is varied and includes both UK and international work, with projects for clients including Network Rail, East West Rail, the Department for Transport, Northern Powerhouse Rail and London Underground.

From concept and feasibility through to