Engineering Apprentice

ScotRail Trains Limited; Inverness; On-site; GBP 23,000 - GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading railway company in Scotland is seeking motivated individuals for a 4-year Engineering Maintenance Apprenticeship. This role offers hands-on experience in maintaining both diesel and electric trains, along with academic qualifications like SVQ Level 2. Ideal candidates should possess SCQF Level 5 qualifications in Maths, English, and a science. This apprenticeship encourages diversity and welcomes various applicants, committing to supporting career development in the rail industry.

Qualifications

• Must be aged 17 to 24, or up to 29 with a disability or care experience.
• Must hold minimum qualifications in Maths, English, and a science subject.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair ScotRail’s fleet of vehicles.
• Test electrical systems and check critical components.
• Attend college while gaining real-world experience.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Commitment to a 4-year apprenticeship

Ability to attend internal training

Education

Qualifications at SCQF Level 5 or above in Maths, English, and either Physics or Chemistry

Job description

Apprenticeship – Engineering Maintenance (Multi-Skilled)

Duration: 4 years

Salary: Starting salary - £23006 per annum

Upon completion of Year 1 - salary increase £23433 per annum

Upon completion of Year 2 - salary increase £24485 per annum

Upon completion of Year 3 - salary increase £26349 per annum

Start Date: August 2026

Build a career to be proud of with a ScotRail Modern Apprenticeship.

With more than 5,000 employees, ScotRail plays a vital role in serving the people and communities of Scotland. We recognise a modern and diverse workforce, encouraged to use their talents, and develop their skills, is integral to our success in serving and reflecting the communities of Scotland. We committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and have also set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets including having a carbon-free railway in Scotland by 2035.

The Opportunity

ScotRail is looking for motivated apprentices to join our engineering teams and play a key role in shaping the future of Scottish rail travel. With four Maintenance Depots located across Scotland, you'll be involved in maintaining both diesel and electric trains, ensuring they remain fully operational and deliver a reliable service to our customers. As an apprentice, you'll have the opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain hands‑on experience within a supportive environment.

Your day‑to‑day activities will include learning to maintain and repair ScotRail’s fleet of vehicles – working on everything from fault finding and brake repairs to inspecting lights, seats, heating systems, and mechanical components. You'll also test electrical systems, check for wear and tear on bodywork and under‑carriages, and perform regular checks on critical systems such as brakes and couplings. This apprenticeship offers you the chance to develop a wide range of skills, contributing to the maintenance of trains while working towards a rewarding career in the rail industry.

The Person

To follow health and safety requirements and regulations and funding criteria, this apprenticeship is open to people aged 17 to 24 and people up to age 29 who identify as having a disability or who are care experienced.

Whether you’re coming straight from school, further education or are already in employment, we would love to hear from you.

As a minimum, applicants should hold qualifications at SCQF Level 5 (or above) in Maths (excluding Applications of Maths), English, and either Physics or Chemistry. Applicants who do not meet all of the above qualifications may also demonstrate suitability through other relevant experience, such as a Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering or National Qualifications in a related engineering discipline.

You must be able to travel to and from college. After completing your first year at college, you will be required to work a shift pattern that includes night shifts.

Candidates should have:

• A willingness to learn.
• A willingness to complete a 4‑year apprenticeship.
• A willingness to attend regular reviews to discuss your progress and development.
• A willingness to attend internal training (and external training if required) and taking responsibility, with support, to collect the evidence required for your SVQ Portfolio.

What can you expect from your apprenticeship?

You will progress through a Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering over a 4‑year programme. Your time will be divided between attending college and gaining real‑life workplace experience with ScotRail.

As well as gaining a broad range of technical and professional knowledge and experience, you will also gain academic and vocational qualifications such as:

• SVQ Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations (PEO2)
• You also may have the opportunity to progress onto an HNC.

Please note that due to the volume of interest received these vacancies could close prior to the published date.

Selection Process

Candidates short‑listed will be invited to attend a selection interview. All offers are subject to passing our pre‑employment checks which include a criminal record check, medical and referencing.

ScotRail is six times accredited as a Top Employer, has achieved Leaders in Diversity and is a Disability Confident Employer. We value, celebrate, and respect the diversity our people and aim to inspire, attract, retain, and develop the best talent. Because we value diversity and the benefits it brings, we want to continue improving the diversity of our people and particularly welcome applications from women, young people, LGBT+ people, people with a disability, and people from ethnically diverse background.