Rail Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
DB Cargo UK Limited
Crewe, Didcot, Thornaby, Warrington
Closes on Friday 5 June 2026
Posted on 13 April 2026
Contents
Summary
We have an exciting opportunity to join our locomotive maintenance team as an Engineering Apprentice. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers while studying towards a Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician qualification, gaining hands-on experience maintaining our locomotive and rolling stock fleet.
- Wage
-
£17,360 a year
- Training course
- Rail engineering technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Shifts to be discussed at interview stage.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
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3 years
- Positions available
-
5
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
Through a combination of classroom learning and practical depot experience, you will develop a wide range of engineering skills relating to Traction & Rolling Stock, including:
- Safe and professional working practices, including relevant legislation, industry procedures and safety requirements
- The scientific, technical and engineering principles required to support the maintenance of our locomotive fleet
- Understanding engineering drawings and electrical schematics
- Using test and measuring equipment in both metric and imperial units
- Applying systematic fault-finding techniques to diagnose and rectify electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems
- Safely handling and using engineering tools and equipment
- Developing problem solving, analytical thinking and communication skills
- Working effectively within a team and contributing to engineering improvements and innovation
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:
- Crewe I E M D, Wistaston Road, Crewe, CW2 7RL
- Foxhall Road, Didcot, OX11 7AD
- Middlesbrough Road, Thornaby, TS17 7BN
- Slutchers Lane, Warrington, WA1 1NA
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
REASEHEATH COLLEGE
Training course
Rail engineering technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
Training schedule
Rail Engineering Technician Level 3.
Most of your time will be spent gaining practical experience at the depot, alongside scheduled classroom learning with our apprenticeship provider. This will take place through block release periods, where you will attend Reaseheath College for the following durations:
Year 1 - 4 × 3-week block release
Year 2 - 3 × 3-week block release
Year 3 - 3 × 3-week block release
Please note that due to the location of the training provider, you will be required to lodge away during the block learning periods.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
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
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
Other requirements
We're looking for people with a keen interest in engineering and the desire and ambition to build a successful career with DB Cargo UK.
Willing to play an active part of your own training and development.
Inquisitive minded who like to understand how things work and develop your learning.
Someone who can work as part of a team and communicate with colleagues in an honest and effective way.
Work with safety as a number one priority with the ability to follow instructions, rules and regulations, to ensure all maintenance is carried out in a safe manner.
You must hold a minimum of three GCSEs, including Maths and English at Grade 4 (or equivalent to a C grade) or above, and be able to provide evidence of these qualifications at the interview stage.
You must live within a 60-minute commute of the depot location
You must also be 18 years of age or above due to the safety critical nature of this role.
As part of the onboarding process, you will be required to complete a safety-critical medical assessment, including drug and alcohol screening.
About this employer
DB Cargo is a leading European rail freight and logistics company providing environmentally friendly, full-service transport solutions across Europe.
https://uk.dbcargo.com/rail-uk-en (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
Defined Contribution pension scheme with generous employer contribution - up to 10% employer contribution. We take the health and wellbeing of all employees seriously and provide access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
After this apprenticeship
Employment and progression opportunities.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
REASEHEATH COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000024951.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 5 June 2026
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.