Northern Trains is seeking hundreds more talented people to join its 7,000 strong workforce and gain skills for life through its apprenticeship scheme. 

It’s currently National Apprenticeship Week (February 5-11) and Northern is showcasing the opportunities it can offer as one of the largest providers of apprenticeship opportunities in the North of England. 

Northern has a range of opportunities across its business including in engineering, customer service and back-office support and every new driver and conductor recruit will be supported through an apprenticeship qualification.  

It currently has more than 660 colleagues on apprenticeship programmes across its driving, conducting, engineering and business support operations and this year is planning on enrolling a further 467 on an apprentice qualification.  

The operator says its engineering apprenticeship scheme is always oversubscribed, and more and more roles are offered every year.  

It says apprenticeships are a great way for either a young person to start their career or for a more experienced candidate to change direction and embrace a new opportunity and gain the equivalent of a university qualification. 

Successful candidates take part in a mixture of onsite learning in partnership with Myerscough College near Preston and on-the-job training in maintenance depots, offices, control centres, at stations and on-board trains. 

Apprenticeship roles are available across the whole of the North. 

In the past four years Northern has developed 101 engineering apprenticeships and this year is looking to recruit a further 18.  

Lisa Leighton, Northern’s people director, said: “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.” 

Northern’s engineering apprenticeships are open to anyone who is aged 16 by September 1, 2024. You must be aged 15 to apply. Northern is aiming to recruit apprenticeships on a 50/50 gender split.  

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