Network Rail
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail – Where People and Connections Matter.
At Network Rail, we’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you’re not just part of a team – you’re part of something that matters to millions. We believe that 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’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you’re ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!
Some of Our Great Benefits
- Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments.
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
- Generous annual leave up to 28 days plus statutory days (role dependent), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Discounts at selected stations with your Network Rail pass.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% off leisure train tickets for you and your dependents (subject to T&Cs).
- Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Plus more….
Vacancy Details
- Duration: Permanent
- Location: This role is based in Weston Super Mare Red Lodge.
- This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered.
- Band & Salary: Band 8 £24,500
- Start date: September 2026
- Training provider: University Centre Weston
About the Role
What does the average day look like?
This apprenticeship gives you a blend of academic learning and practical engineering experience. You’ll develop skills across:
- Mechanical design, modelling and analysis.
- Materials, manufacturing, structural and stress principles.
- Testing, validation and investigation of mechanical components.
- Thermofluid systems and engineering management.
- Reliability, performance and lifecycle assessment.
- Multidisciplinary problem solving alongside electrical, electronic and systems engineers.
In TDT and the wider Engineering Services organisation, you’ll contribute to real engineering projects that support the development and improvement of mechanical systems used across the UK rail network.
About the Team
Engineering is at the heart of keeping Britain moving. As a Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprentice, you’ll play a hands-on role in understanding, improving and supporting the mechanical systems that power our railway infrastructure. You’ll earn a fully funded degree, gain real industry experience, and build a career that makes a national impact.
You’ll be based in Weston super Mare, working with the Network Rail Technology Development Team (TDT) when not attending part-time study at University College Weston (UCW) in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol.
What You’ll Gain
- A fully funded BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing from University Centre Weston.
- Extensive hands-on engineering experience in real operational settings.
- Travel and accommodation covered when attending university study blocks.
- Professional development aligned to Incorporated Engineer (IEng) standards.
- Coaching and support from experienced engineers, mentors, and leaders.
- A solid foundation for long-term progression into specialist or senior engineering roles.
We strive to develop and retain exceptional engineering talent. After completing the programme, you can apply for roles such as Mechanical Design Engineer within the Technology Development Team. Longer term, this apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for progression into specialist, senior, or leadership engineering roles across Network Rail.
Your Experience and Skills
Who are we looking for?
You’ll be a great match if you:
- Enjoy understanding how things work and solving practical problems.
- Have a genuine interest in mechanical engineering and hands-on technical work.
- Like working as part of a team and learning from others.
- Are motivated, curious, committed, and willing to take responsibility.
- Want to make a real impact on the reliability and safety of national infrastructure.
Essential Criteria
- A Level BBC including Mathematics PLUS physics, physical science, engineering science, computer science, technology, or other science or technology subject.
- DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma in a science or technology-based subject (including passes in mathematics and two other science or technology-based modules).
- Merit overall from a T level qualification – this must include a B in Core and can be from any engineering specific T level.
- A combination of qualifications which must include mathematics or a mathematics-based subject and may include L3 Apprenticeship, AS levels, EPQ and general studies.
- Access to HE Diploma with at least 15 Level 3 credits at merit grade or above, in a Maths or Engineering programme including mathematics.
Additional Information
Closing date: 9th July. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.
Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 13th July, depending on business requirements.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
