About the course
We deliver this apprenticeship in partnership with Northern and The National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR). Vacancies are normally posted in the Spting of each year.
Your Journey Over Three Years:
Year One:
You�ll live and study at Myerscough College in Preston (Accommodation, Food and Rail travel included), focusing on your Level 2 Performance in Engineering and Level 3 Diploma in Rail Engineering. While at college, you�ll learn the fundamentals in a classroom and workshop setting and gain practical experience at your assigned TrainCare Centre during breaks.
Year Two: You�ll continue working alongside your dedicated team at the TrainCare Centre, applying what you've learned in a hands-on environment. This year includes two fortnightly visits to the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR) in Northampton, where you�ll complete specialist units towards your Level 3 Diploma.
Year Three: Building on your knowledge and experience, you�ll create a portfolio of evidence to complete your Level 3 qualification and prepare for your End Point Assessment. You�ll continue to work closely with your team, deepening your practical skills in real-world scenarios.
Throughout your three years, you�ll be tested on your knowledge gained; all to make sure you�re on track with learning.
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Start date: August 2026
Course length: Three Years
Entry requirements & additional information
5 GCSEs at gained/predicted grades A to C or 9-5 including Maths, English & Science
A keen interest in engineering and the railway
A desire to progress and succeed
Living within 45 mins of the chosen depot
On Programme Phase and End Point Assessment including technical knowledge, occupational and professional competence.
Qualified Engineering Apprentices choose from a wide range of career paths at Northern, including joining Production Teams as a Maintenance Engineer, where they can progress to Team Leader or Technical Engineer roles. Additional experience can be gained in various environments, from production to safety, before choosing a specialty.
Registration as an Engineering Technician and progression in rail engineering.
All apprentices are required to have suitable employment in order to complete the programme. A contract of employment must be in place and apprentices must be paid in line with minimum wage rules. Programme costs are covered by employers through their digital apprenticeship service account. PPE and tools for rail engineering environments.