Services Apprentice

Summary

As an Apprentice at DB ESG, you will work closely with experienced engineers and project teams to support the installation, commissioning, and servicing of modifications to rolling stock vehicles. You'll develop hands-on technical skills, gain industry knowledge, and be part of real-world rail consultancy projects.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Engineering fitter (level 3)

Hours

Core business hours are 08.00 – 17.00 Monday to Friday, with a requirement to work 37 hours per week. Due to the nature of this role, hours may be exceeded and work may involve evenings and weekends.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

3 years 6 months

Positions available

2

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

As an apprentice within the Services Department at a rail consultancy, you’ll be learning by doing. Your role is a blend of hands-on tasks, technical learning, and supporting experienced professionals across different projects.

You will help to review engineering drawings or update documents, manufacture test boxes and create simple assemblies within our workshop area. You will be involved in installation preparation and install management. You will visit rail sites, taking part in surveys using 3D scanners, including LiDAR. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll gradually take on more responsibility as your skills grow. It’s a fast-paced, varied environment where you get to see how real projects come together — from the first ideas to the final implementation — and play a meaningful part in shaping them.

Key Responsibilities:

Adhering to DB ESG's Values
Follow and utilise Lean System principles
Follow documented standard work procedures/instructions to perform safe and defect-free assembly of parts and components
Using various hand and power tools and lifting equipment provided in the work area
Support continuous improvement reporting
Working within the wider engineering and design departments
Following written and verbal instructions
Adhere to the Organisation's health & safety policy and safe working practices
Working to real-time orders and targets
Completing your qualification within the Academy period to a high standard
Gaining hands-on experience

Where you'll work

Derwent House
R T C Business Park, London Road
Derby
DE24 8UP

Training

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

College or training organisation

DCG

Your training course

Engineering fitter (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Reading, interpreting and understanding the component or assembly specification, diagrams, drawings and work instructions.
Planning component or assembly task – materials, tools and equipment.
Preparing work area for component or assembly task; sourcing required resources, tools and equipment.
Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity and know how to source required resources and interpret detailed drawings, specifications and job instructions.
Checking tools during and after task completion; identifying and reporting defects.
Measuring and testing, checking or inspecting component or assembly for example; use of micrometers, verniers, multimeters, voltmeter.
Problem solving; analysing the issue and fixing the issue where appropriate.
Applying improvement techniques; recommending or implementing solutions where appropriate.
Communicating with colleagues or customers (internal or external).
Completing component or assembly documentation for example job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation.
Reporting work outcomes or issues.
Restoring the work area on completion of the activity; returning any resources and consumables to the appropriate location and house-keeping.
Disposing of waste in accordance with waste streams; re-cycling, re-using where appropriate.
Operating within limits of responsibility.
Operating in line with quality, health and safety and environmental policy and procedures; identifying risks and hazards and identifying control measures where applicable.
Reading, interpreting and understanding the component or assembly specification, diagrams, drawings and work instructions.
Planning component or assembly task – materials, tools and equipment.
Preparing work area for component or assembly task; sourcing required resources, tools and equipment.
Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity and know how to source required resources and interpret detailed drawings, specifications and job instructions.
Checking tools during and after task completion; identifying and reporting defects.
Measuring and testing, checking or inspecting component or assembly for example; use of micrometers, verniers, multimeters, voltmeter.
Problem solving; analysing the issue and fixing the issue where appropriate.
Applying improvement techniques; recommending or implementing solutions where appropriate.
Communicating with colleagues or customers (internal or external).
Completing component or assembly documentation for example job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation.
Reporting work outcomes or issues.
Restoring the work area on completion of the activity; returning any resources and consumables to the appropriate location and house-keeping.
Disposing of waste in accordance with waste streams; re-cycling, re-using where appropriate.
Operating within limits of responsibility.
Operating in line with quality, health and safety and environmental policy and procedures; identifying risks and hazards and identifying control measures where applicable.

Your training plan

This training plan has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

5+ GCSEs (including English, Maths, and Science) (grade C/4 or above)

Desirable qualifications

A Level in:

Engineering/Relevant Technical subject (grade C/4 or above)

BTEC in:

Engineering/Relevant Technical subject (grade Pass)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

IT skills
Problem solving skills
Technical aptitude
Willing to learn
Reliability
Punctuality
Positive attitude
Health and Safety awareness

Other requirements

Due to the nature of this role and the environment, candidates must be over the age of 18 to be considered for this vacancy. National & International Travel. Working away from home. Night shift. Physical Role. Depot Locations. Drug & Alcohol Screening.

About this company

DB ESG, established in 1995, is a leading specialist provider of rolling stock engineering solutions for the UK railway industry. As part of DB Systemtechnik, we form one of the largest rolling stock consultancies in Europe. Our world-class experts and solutions allow us to help shape the UK rail industry. Located in Derby in the heart of the UK rail sector, our friendly team is made up of around 62 employees. We work across the rail industry with train operators, vehicle owners, manufactures, and system and component suppliers to provide the absolute best solutions for our customers. We are leading experts in our sector, committed to the continuous improvement of our business and we remain at the forefront of technology and innovation. Our People are the key to our success and so we are always interested in welcoming new talent and people into our business and the rail industry. We are always open to innovative and new ideas that can help shape the future of the rail industry.

https://dbesg.deutschebahn.com/esg (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Company Defined Pension Scheme. Company Bonus Scheme. Training Opportunities. Company Sick Pay. 25 + Statutory Holidays per year (Opportunity to increase after 5+ years).

After this apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is designed to develop the technical, organisational, and leadership skills required to transition into a Senior Service Engineer/Install Manager role. In this role, you’ll:

Manage full modification programmes for rail vehicles
Lead installation teams and subcontractors
Ensure projects meet time, cost, and quality objectives
Represent DB ESG in client and supplier meetings

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DCG

Niall Nanson

niall.nanson@derby-college.ac.uk

01332387420

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000325962.

Apply now

Closes in 15 days (Monday 30 June 2025)

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