Engineering Apprentice - Rolling Stock Technician

SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY LIMITED

Bournemouth, Ryde, Salisbury, Wimbledon

Closes on Friday 31 October 2025

Posted on 19 September 2025

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Summary

As an engineering apprentice, you will combine your college studies with real-life work alongside experienced engineers, learning from their expertise while contributing to critical maintenance and repair tasks across our network. Based at one of our Train Care Depots, we will provide the foundation upon which you can build a great railway career.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Annual salary increases on completion of each year.

Training course
Maintenance and operations engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday with some evening and shift work in the fourth year of the apprenticeship.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 24 August 2026

Duration

4 years

Positions available

8

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

You will assist with routine maintenance activities including:

  • Inspections, repairs, and component replacements.
  • Diagnose faults and perform troubleshooting to identify and rectify issues efficiently.
  • Support the installation and testing of new equipment and systems.
  • Follow safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
  • Collaborate with team members to achieve operational objectives.
  • Deliver high-quality service to our customers.

Where you'll work

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

  • Bournemouth Traincare Depot, Nelson Road, Bournemouth, BH4 9JA
  • Ryde Traincare Depot, Ryde St Johns Road Station, Ryde, PO33 2FF
  • Traincare Depot, Fisherton Street, Salisbury, SP2 7RL
  • Wimbledon Traincare Depot, Durnsford Road, Wimbledon, SW19 8EG

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

SOUTHAMPTON ENGINEERING TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED (THE)

Training course

Maintenance and operations engineering technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

Your first year will be based at college in Southampton full-time. This will be followed by 3 years based at the depot with weekly college study.

You will also undertake a Level 3 BTEC in Engineering alongside your apprenticeship in the first 2 years.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4)
  • Maths (grade 5)
  • Science (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Patience
  • Flexibility

Other requirements

Desirable: A desire to pursue a career in the railway industry. Flexibility – this apprenticeship may involve early or late shifts and travel to other areas on our network. Excellent communication, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team. Proactive and adaptable approach to problem-solving, with a keen eye for detail. Willingness to undergo training and development to enhance skills and knowledge in the role. A dedication to upholding the company's values and delivering exceptional service.

About this employer

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

https://careers.southwesternrailway.com/jobs/search (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees. Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent). 75% discount on many other train operating companies. Excellent pension scheme.

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Multiple opportunities for progression within the company once qualified.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SOUTHAMPTON ENGINEERING TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED (THE)

swrapprenticeships@swrailway.com

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000342662.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 31 October 2025

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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.