Train operator Northern  is advertising for a new intake of apprentices to add to its workforce of seven thousand. It aims to recruit an equal number of women and men.

This week (5-11 February) is National Apprenticeship Week, so Northern is showing off the opportunities if offers as one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the north of England.

During this week, lots of railway companies are advertising their apprenticeship opportunities, including train operating companies and heritage railways.

The operator’s apprenticeships cover various roles, including in engineering, customer service and back-office support . In addition, the company promises to support every new driver and conductor recruit through an apprenticeship qualification.

Northern plans to recruit 467 new apprentices this year, added to the 660+ that it already has on its books. The company points out that its engineering apprenticeship scheme is always oversubscribed, and that it is adding to the number of work roles in which apprenticeships are available. Over the past four years, Northern has provided 101 engineering apprenticeships , and plans to recruit eighteen more this year.

The company describes apprenticeships as, “a great way for either a young person to start their career at Northern or for a more experienced candidate to change direction and embrace a new opportunity”, noting that the resulting qualification is the equivalent of a university qualification.

The operator’s engineering apprenticeships are open to anyone who will be aged sixteen or older on 1 September 2024.

Northern is offering apprenticeships are across the whole of the north of England. Applications are open until Sunday 18 February 202. More information is available on their website here, and candidates can apply over on their website here.

Successful applicants will follow a programme that mixes onsite learning, delivered alongside Myerscough College, near Preston, and on-the-job training, which will take place in maintenance depots, offices, control centres, and at stations and on board trains.

Northern has published testimonies from two train maintenance apprentices who started on the scheme last year. Jamie Woods and Kyle Martin both started as engineering apprentices in 2023 and are learning the skills needed to help maintain Northern’s 368 trains.

Jamie Woods is based at Neville Hill train care centre in Leeds. She said, “At Northern I can challenge myself to be the best I can and develop new skills in a supportive environment.”

Kyle Martin is based at Allerton depot in Liverpool, and said, “I have always had an interest in finding out how and why things work, and I love having the support I need to improve and grow my own knowledge and skillset.”

Lisa Leighton, Northern’s People Director, commented, “Apprenticeships are fast becoming the norm for people who want to fast-track their careers.

“We are looking for talented and passionate candidates from all types of backgrounds to join our team. We will introduce apprentices to our amazing business and the way we work, while helping them to build their knowledge around specific roles and the rail industry itself.

“Our apprentices are offered the full support of our dedicated team of Operational Trainers, Apprentice Coaches and Quality Assurance specialists – who are all committed to helping candidates earn while they learn in roles which will lead to recognised qualifications. We are offering real skills for life.”