East Midlands Railway is looking to take on apprentices under its Fleet Engineering Team at its depots in Derby and Nottingham.

Successful apprentices will join the rail operator to look after a fleet of more than 100 trains, which operate between London and the East Midlands and Yorkshire.

The apprentices will join 250 staff to gain qualifications and practical experience, all whilst earning a salary at the same time.

Mason Johnson, a year three EMR Fleet Engineer Apprentice said: “You gain a good understanding and versatility within an engineering environment by conducting tasks which test your mechanical and electrical abilities.

“Not one day is the same within our depots, we come across planned maintenance, repair work, test runs and preparation of our 15x units prior to them going out into service.

“You will get to know the different shift teams you work with and become close to them along the way.

“Overall being an apprentice at EMR has been a great experience for me and taught me lots about engineering both electrically and mechanically.”

Ellie Nugent, a year two EMR Fleet Engineer Apprentice said: “A typical day starts at either 05:00 or 06:00 depending on the shift time. I get to work, and I will do any jobs that have been allocated for that day. After work, I shower and head home for about 16:00. I then start doing my college work and revising for any assignments we have. I do this on Wednesdays and Thursdays as well.”

“On Tuesdays, we have online lessons that start at 08:45 and finish at 12:30. I will then start any assignments that are set, as we usually have one from each of the three lessons.

“On Fridays, I aim to finish the assignments that were set for the week.”

George Wilkinson, a third year EMR Fleet Engineer Apprentice who is currently taking his exams, explained what a typical day for him looks like, he said: “I am at work for 05:45 and around 06:00, we have a coffee in the mess room whereby the team leader will brief us about what vehicle we are working on, and any specific jobs required for that day. We are currently working on the 15x fleet, which encompasses the 153 (single car) 156, and 158 which are double cars.”

“The exam work is based on pre-planned, preventative maintenance, and as a team of seven we will work through the exam job sheet to make sure all jobs are done to a high standard and are accounted for. The work itself is varied and what jobs you work on will change every day. For example, on Monday you may be measuring wheels, and changing brake blocks / pads, and on Friday you could be completing an earth fault test and re-wiring a lighting system.

“Alternatively, on days where there isn’t an exam planned, we will be working on other vehicles, conducting work such as an engine change, radiator swap or dropping and changing a (Voith) gearbox, which is heavier maintenance.

“At roughly, 14:00-14:30 we will get de-kitted, have a shower and get ready to go home.”

Kate Holden, HR Director for EMR said: “Our Fleet Engineer Apprentices are our future talent. They bring diversity of experience and thought, new ideas and a fresh approach that helps to drive our business forward.”

“We offer a four -year programme designed to give practical on the job training. The work involves time in our Fleet Engineering depots, and the classroom helping to give them all the underpinning knowledge they need to be successful in their apprenticeship.”

“We are committed to providing top class programmes that will equip them with the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to reach their full potential.”

The closing date for applicants is Sunday 21st February, more information can be found on the East Midlands Railway website.

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