15.09.16
Network Rail doubles intake in 2017 apprenticeship scheme
Network Rail has pledged to almost double the number of places on its three-year Advanced Apprenticeship scheme, which received more than 4,000 applications last year.
The 140 extra apprenticeships will bring the total number to 300, with recruitment taking place in March and September 2017.
Network Rail has also moved the scheme to its training and development centre near Coventry, where apprentices will specialise in one of five areas: electrification and plant, overhead lines, signalling, telecoms or track. They will then move to local depots for on-the-job frontline training, as well as off-site learning.
Ian Iceton, Network Rail’s group HR director, said: “Network Rail has been committed to providing opportunities for young people to develop and progress into a rewarding career for more than ten years.
“I urge anyone that has the determination, talent and enthusiasm to work in a role where you not only make a difference every single day but also contribute to building the railway for the future to join us by applying for the Advanced Apprenticeship scheme today.”
In the first year, apprentices are paid £8,618, with a £1,150 bonus when they successfully finish. The salary, which is currently under review, then rises to £12,055 in the second and £14,364 in the third.
Apprentices finish the course with NVQ, BTec and ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) qualifications, and 85% of apprentices stay on at Network Rail.
The March apprentice intake is open to anyone who will be aged 18 or over on 1 March 2017, with applications closing on 31 October. To apply, click here.
Difficulties recruiting the next generation of the workforce are a key problem facing the rail industry, with an estimated 36,000 shortfall in graduate engineers. The government has appointed a new taskforce to look at how to meet the target of 30,000 new transport apprenticeships by 2020.
Mark Carne, chief executive of Network Rail, also recently said that the stigma against apprenticeships must end.
(Image c. Network Rail)
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