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Apprentice Telecoms Design Engineer MRC Engineering

MRC Engineering are Telecomms design specialists for the UK rail industry and are looking to recruit an Apprentice who will be based at their office in Doncaster. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to begin a career in railway engineering design!

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Closing date: 15 Aug 2022

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £10,400.00

    Office overtime will be based on prior agreement with MRC manager and will be paid standard to 1.5 times depending on the hours worked and the day (Eg Mid Week or Weekend).

  • Working week

    Core hours Mon – Fri 08:30 – 17:00.

    Total hours per week: 40.0

  • Expected duration

    30 Months

  • Possible start date

    29 Aug 2022

  • Date posted

    19 Jul 2022

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000067373

  • Positions

    1 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

To undertake an apprenticeship as a Telecoms Engineer leading to a nationally recognised qualification and accreditation. The job holder will be required to attend and complete a nationally recognised technical training course. This will involve attendance at local educational establishments on a day release basis and any evening / weekend classes as appropriate.

The role will report to Director / Principal Engineer on a day to day basis and support the lead design engineer with the development of Railway Telecoms design.

  • To complete a programme of academic training and work placements to be conducted either within MRC Engineering offices or on MRC Engineering external work sites.
  • To become proficient in the application and use of a wide range of Telecoms engineering assets, both trackside Telecoms systems (Fibre, Copper, Phone Systems, Data, GSM-R) and Station information Systems (CCTV, PA, Customer Information Systems, Help Points)
  • To become proficient in the application and use of a range of Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages (AutoCAD / Microstation to 2D and 3D provided by additional training)
  • To become proficient in the application and use of standard office IT applications (Word / Excel) etc.
  • Attendance at college on a day release and / or evening class basis leading to recognised qualifications over a two – four year period.
  • There will be a requirement to carry out such tasks and duties as directed by the company that are calculated to contribute to the requisite levels of performance and competence.
  • Support project delivery by assisting with designing or modifying telecommunications systems under the direction of senior staff.
  • Support project delivery by assisting with onsite survey works under the direction of senior staff.
  • Role will include travel as required by individual contracts and may include office or site based work and national or international travel.
  • Escalate project related issues requiring actions at a higher level in a timely manner, with supporting briefings.
  • Ensure project delivery in accordance with MRC Engineering processes and procedures and project timescales.
  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with all the external partners involved in the delivery of the project, including the provision of a specialist advice and support where require. 
  • Following appropriate training and supervision will complete and gain Personal Track Safety (PTS) qualification and will maintain PTS logbook.

 

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

Level 3 Railway Engineering Design Technician Standard

  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma which will deliver most of the knowledge components of the Apprenticeship - this will be delivered by York College on a day release basis over 2 years.
  • A portfolio of evidence which will capture the acquisition of knowledge and skills in the workplace and, through a series of regular short reports, demonstrate how they have integrated the knowledge and skills they have acquired to contribute to a work place project.
  • The End Point Assessment which will be carried out by the relevant Professional Engineering Institution and will be based on two elements: A Technical Project with report and presentation and a Professional Discussion (underpinned by the portfolio of Competence based evidence)
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English (if required)

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

Upon successful completion of the Level 3 Apprenticeship programme, further discussions will be undertaken between both parties to determine future options.

Should the applicant show the ability to undertake higher learning, MRC Engineering will support HNC / HND / Degree courses. Further learning opportunities will be subject to additional / new learning agreements.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Number skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Punctual, Friendly, Works well with others

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent 5 subjects including English (Grade A*-C / 9-4) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 5) Essential

Things to consider

Site survey hours will vary and will include weekends, bank holidays, and night shifts to be agreed as part of each project as required. Site surveys will involve working away from home and staying in hotels provided by MRC Engineering. Site durations can vary, but are mostly undertaken during Monday – Friday and could involve nights, weekends and bank holidays. The employee will make themselves available for weekend working when requested by MRC Engineering unless prior agreement with line Manager Note that the working split is mostly office based with an annual split of 80% office and 20% site work. Site Survey works overtime is based on the following; Day / Night time working up to 10 hours paid at standard hourly rate Day time - 10 – 14 hours paid at 1.25 times the hourly rate Night time - 10 – 14 hours paid 1.5 times the hourly rate Weekend day time – 1.5 times the hourly rate Weekend night time – 2 times the hourly rate Note that travel time is paid at Standard rate at all times. MRC Engineering in line with the UK Rail network guidelines work a maximum of 14 hours door to door with 12 hours on site. MRC Engineering also shutdown for a two-week period over the Christmas break that does not have to be taken as leave and is provided by the company to the employee at the company’s discretion and will be reviewed annually. There may be times when it is not possible to shutdown during the Christmas period and the employee may be required to work or request annual leave. Due to the successful candidate being required to travel to various sites, a driving licence or working towards is preferred. Applicant will attempt to obtain their driving license within 6 months of start date. A vehicle will be provided by MRC Engineering to attend site if required.

About the employer

MRC Engineering have had telecommunications involvement on heavy rail projects since we began trading in 2013. Originally providing technical engineering support, such as contractors responsible engineer and lead designer, the company developed into a RISQs approved independent Telecoms design house in 2017 after realising the potential market opportunities with the limited number of companies with Railway Telecoms Design capability. MRC Engineering has been audited to provide Railway Telecoms Design and engineering services on the UK heavy railway network. The organisation is UK based with a Head Office in Doncaster and we work on the UK National Rail Infrastructure. MRC Engineering pride ourselves on providing clear discipline communication, common processes and standards that maintain a consistent and high quality output. Our growth was achieved through our ability to meet our clients’ technical aspirations. This foundation allows MRC Engineering to provide telecommunications expertise in both Operation Communications and Station Information and Security Systems. We provide a comprehensive range of technical and management professional services. These cover the full spectrum of telecoms infrastructure requirements from project development, preliminary appraisal and feasibility studies through to the detailed design. We are also able to provide implementation and operational management advice. Our fundamental strategy is that we are a relationship based company. We focus on forging strong, long-term relationships with our clients, as we consider sound client relationships the most important contributor to our success. We cement these relationships by providing superior customer value and by continuously improving our performance. Our approach to project delivery is to offer highly experienced management, a skilled workforce and innovative solutions to ensure that output quality is guaranteed. MRC Engineering utilise a specialised engineering team which drives our business forward and stand up strong within the unique market of UK Rail Telecoms design. We always strive to develop strong collaborative relationships with our clients to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved and the day to day work is effectively managed. We have historically worked in a niche discipline within the niche UK Rail Industry.

Employer

MRC Engineering

Address

Park Lodge

Woodfield Park

Tickhill Road

DN4 8QN

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Training

Training provider

SALFORD AND TRAFFORD ENGINEERING GROUP TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Contact

Nicola McGivern

nicola@stegta.co.uk

Apprenticeship standard

Railway engineering design technician

Level 3 (A level)

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