Flying the flag for apprenticeships
When it comes to investing for business growth, apprenticeships are at the heart of a people strategy, and the importance of blending seasoned skills with opportunities to welcome new entrants to the rail sector cannot be underestimated.
Whether these apprenticeship opportunities are out on the tracks or working in our office, there is so much information and insight that can be shared with new entrants joining the industry, and we know from experience what rewarding careers are available in Rail.
Developing an apprenticeship programme
We’re proud to partner with leaders in their field to deliver our apprenticeship training programme, including a local education establishment and a NSAR Gold railway training provider. This ensures that our teams receive access to the best possible training, that will set them up for success in their new roles and for life.
These include courses such as the Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician apprenticeship, that our trackside apprenticeships complete. The course covers a range of rail maintenance areas, including fault finding; replacement of systems and components; testing and inspection using specialist equipment; and ensuring assets are installed, maintained or replaced in line with industry specifications and mandatory record keeping. These skills provide a solid foundation to progress their careers within the rail sector, as they gain real-time experience out on the tracks.
Commitment to this ongoing personal learning is also important to us, which is why we encourage team members to move on to more advanced levels after they complete their initial apprenticeship course, and are keen to invest in our teams’ training throughout their careers.
If you’re business doesn’t already hire apprenticeships, then you can find out more about this valuable scheme on the government’s website.
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2026
Between 9-15th February, the 19th annual National Apprenticeship Week takes places, providing an important opportunity for us to celebrate those colleagues within our business who are undertaking training. It’s also vital that employers promote the wide-reaching benefits of apprenticeships, that allow people to forge rewarding careers through on-the-job training that lets them get involved from day one.
Making apprenticeship accessible to everyone
Some people might think apprenticeships are just training routes for school and college leavers, but there is no upper age limit for people wishing to join an apprenticeship programme. The minimum age is 16 or over, however the relevant age-related National Minimum Wage will need to be paid depending on their age during their training. Businesses may however decide to opt for a higher wage to make the training more accessible to people from different walk of life, the NRL Group for example are a proud voluntary member of the Living Wage Foundation and pay colleagues over the government’s minimum rates.
Reflecting on their own apprenticeship training
Rail Apprentice Toby Gregory, is currently undertaking the Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician apprenticeship course on track with our contracting teams, having commenced his training in 2024.
“My apprenticeship combines practical and theoretical railway engineering training. This includes carrying out ultrasonic testing on rail to identify defects, supporting general maintenance activities, and learning how inspections are planned, carried out, and recorded. Alongside this, I complete coursework focused on engineering principles, railway standards, and safety-critical processes within the rail industry.
I’m enjoying the hands-on element of the apprenticeship the most, particularly ultrasonic testing and working on live railway infrastructure. Being able to apply what I learn in coursework directly to real situations on the railway has been very rewarding.
The balance has been very good. The practical experience helps reinforce the theory covered in coursework, and the coursework provides valuable background knowledge that supports the work carried out on site.
For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I would say that it is a great opportunity to gain real industry experience and develop valuable skills. It’s ideal for anyone who prefers practical learning and wants a clear career path with strong progression opportunities.”
Growing our workforce
From apprenticeship opportunities to rail maintenance job placements across the UK for candidates with a track record of experience in the industry, we regularly recruit for people to join our contracting teams.
You can find out more about working with NRL and our latest vacancies, on our website.