Network Rail
Commercial Apprentice – Eastern Region
Network Rail is looking for motivated individuals to join our Commercial team as Apprentices in the Eastern Region. This is a permanent opportunity for new entrants to Network Rail.
Key Information
- Role: Commercial Apprentice – Eastern Region
- Salary: £24,500 per annum (based on a 35-hour week) + £3270 London allowance + Benefits
- Location: One Stratford Place, Stratford, London
- Contract Type: Permanent opportunity for new entrants to Network Rail only
- Start Date: September 2026
- Office Requirement: Minimum of three days per week in the office, with potential travel to other offices within the Eastern Region and occasional site visits.
Entry Requirements
- GCSE (or equivalent): Mathematics and English at Grade C, 4 or above.
- UCAS points and college grades: 112 UCAS points from A levels, AS levels, or BTEC National qualifications.
- Education Provider: University of Westminster or London South Bank University.
Selection Process
If selected for an interview, you will be invited to our office in Stratford. After the closing date, you will be contacted if selected and will be expected to give a short presentation on your understanding of Quantity Surveying and Network Rail.
- Interview Dates: Mid / Late July 2026.
What We Offer
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays.
- Discretionary 75% discount off leisure travel (off-peak and super off-peak tickets).
- 75% discount on season tickets.
- On-the-job experience supporting the commercial function on varied projects, including budget management, financial reporting, contract administration, valuations and payments, drafting contractual correspondence, and assisting with risk management.
- Study support: 20% of working hours dedicated to off-the-job learning and study, with Network Rail covering all study costs.
- Ongoing mentorship for professional growth.
- Career development to become a confident and competent Commercial professional.
- Permanent employment with Network Rail, a competitive salary, and excellent benefits whilst completing a professional qualification.
What You’ll Get Out Of It
- Exposure to Commercial activities on programmes that will transform rail travel over the next 10 years.
- Upon successful completion, you will achieve a Quantity Surveyor Level 6-degree apprenticeship, progressing through to RICS Chartership.
- Opportunity to apply for various Commercial roles within the organisation upon completion.
- Excellent career progression opportunities, with many in our Executive Team starting as apprentices.
About Network Rail
At Network Rail, we are dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. We believe our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace and are a Disability Confident Leader.
Your Experience and Skills
We are looking for someone who is motivated, eager to learn, and ready to grow into a future leader. You will bring:
- Great time management.
- A problem-solving mindset.
- Confidence with technology and communication.
- A drive to learn and develop professionally.
- A professionally curious mind.
- A collaborative spirit and team-first attitude.
- Openness to fresh ideas and new ways of working.
- Integrity and accountability in everything you do.
- Your authentic, best self.
How To Apply
We encourage you to craft a cover letter as part of your application. This is your chance to tell us why you are passionate about joining Network Rail and what unique skills, experiences, or perspectives you can bring to the role. We want to understand what motivates you and how you can contribute to our mission.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Some roles require face-to-face Drugs & Alcohol testing.
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do. Safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should be able to demonstrate your personal commitment to safety and awareness in your application.
Closing Date: XX July 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. We retain the right to close the advert before the listed closing date based on application volumes.
