Are you inquisitive, creative and a collaborative worker? Do you believe there is no box for you to think outside of?  Are you a tenacious and resilient individual who has an innovative approach to solving problems? If you said yes to these questions, you may be an ideal candidate for the West Midlands Trains Engineering Apprenticeship scheme.

To ensure we can run a reliable and on time service for over 60 million passenger journeys a year, we require a fantastic team of engineers to make the 1,300 services a day we run, go as smoothly as possible. As one of our Apprentice Engineers, you’ll be responsible for servicing West Midlands Trains mechanical and electrical systems on our trains. The role is highly varied and duties can include repairing, overhauling and modifying our trains, inspecting bodywork and under-carriages for wear and tear and writing reports and maintenance records. This work will range from carrying out routine maintenance/servicing to repairing and fault finding on complex electrical and mechanical components used in the modern rail industry today. By joining us, you will be embarking on an industry-leading and hugely successful engineering Trailblazer apprenticeship scheme in partnership with the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR) in Northampton and Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet).

Alongside your practical and educational training, there are plenty of other activities you can get involved in. Our Trailblazing Apprentices have spoken to audiences of local and national Politicians, Members of Parliament and have also appeared on national television!

With £700 million investment in new and refurbished trains, you can expect your engineering knowledge and expertise to evolve throughout your career. Join us and not only will you become part of a renowned group of professionals, you will also look forward to gaining specialist and transferable skills as well as a wide variety of career progression opportunities.

Person Specification

We are looking for motivated, creative and collaborative individuals who have a keen interest and flair for problem solving. You'll also be an excellent team player, supportive and inclusive worker and possess strong communication and written skills. Finally, you must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C/4 or above (or equivalent qualifications) which includes Maths, English and Science.

Training

As a West Midlands Trains Engineering Apprentice, you will undertake a mix of classroom and vocational training which will lead to you gaining a competence based rail qualification and a knowledge based rail qualification (i.e. Technical Certificate). This will be based at BMet’s James Watt Campus (Aldridge Road, Great Barr, B44 8NE).

In addition to the above, you will be fortunate enough to undertake part of your training at the state of the art National Training Academy for Rail which offers our Apprentices the use of cutting-edge technology while you learn and also alongside our award-winning team Technicians and Engineers and gain an exciting and rewarding career in Engineering.

How to apply

All applications for this role need to be submitted via the following link: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-247431 and not via the 'Apply Now' button on this vacancy. 

Closing Date for Applications: 13th April 2018

Assessment Centre: 29th May -  1st June 2018

Interviews: 18th June 2018

Start Date: 10th September 2018

This is a fantastic time to join West Midlands Trains and begin an exciting, rewarding and creative career as we embark on your new franchise to improve our passenger’s journeys.