Jobs in Didcot

Job Title: Engineering Apprentice

Location: Didcot, OX11 7HJ

Salary: Starting salary of £17,360 per annum with staged uplifts throughout the apprenticeship

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Introduction:

Are you looking to start a career in the rail industry? We have an exciting opportunity to join our locomotive maintenance team at Didcot as an Engineering Apprentice. During this 36-month apprenticeship, you'll work alongside experienced engineers while studying towards a Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician qualification, gaining hands-on experience maintaining our locomotive and rolling stock fleet.

You'll split your time between learning on the depot and attending block release weeks at college to complete the academic elements of the course.

Interviews will be held in June with exact dates to be confirmed.

Start date 1st September 2026.

What will you be doing?

During this 36-month apprenticeship, you will gain hands-on experience maintaining and repairing locomotives while studying towards your Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician qualification.

You'll be supported throughout the programme by experienced engineers at the depot as well as a dedicated skills coach from our apprenticeship provider.

Through a combination of classroom learning and practical depot experience, you will develop a wide range of engineering skills relating to Traction & Rolling Stock, including:

Safe and professional working practices, including relevant legislation, industry procedures and safety requirements.
The scientific, technical and engineering principles required to support the maintenance of our locomotive fleet.
Understanding engineering drawings and electrical schematics.
Using test and measuring equipment in both metric and imperial units.
Applying systematic fault-finding techniques to diagnose and rectify electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
Safely handling and using engineering tools and equipment.
Developing problem solving, analytical thinking and communication skills.
Working effectively within a team and contributing to engineering improvements and innovation.You will also learn about key traction and rolling stock components, including:

Braking systems
Axles
Wheels and bearings
Suspension systems
AC electric power collection
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systemsThroughout the programme, you will also develop professional skills such as time management, organisation, teamwork and communication, while gaining an understanding of continuous improvement and quality assurance within an engineering environment.

At the end of the apprenticeship, you will complete an End Point Assessment, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have developed during your time with DB Cargo UK.

Most of your time will be spent gaining practical experience at the depot, alongside scheduled classroom learning with our apprenticeship provider. This will take place through block release periods, where you will attend college for the following durations:

Year 1 - 4 × 3-week block release
Year 2 - 3 × 3-week block release
Year 3 - 3 × 3-week block release

Please note that due to the location of the training provider, you will be required to lodge away during the block learning periods.

What are we looking for?

We're looking for people with a keen interest in engineering and the desire and ambition to build a successful career with DB Cargo UK.
Willing to play an active part of your own training and development.
Inquisitive minded who like to understand how things work and develop your learning.
Someone who can work as part of a team and communicate with colleagues in an honest and effective way.
Work with safety as a number one priority with the ability to follow instructions, rules and regulations, to ensure all maintenance is carried out in a safe manner.
You must hold a minimum of three GCSEs, including Maths and English at Grade 4 (or equivalent to a C grade) or above, and be able to provide evidence of these qualifications at the interview stage.
You must live within a 60-minute commute of the depot location
You must also be 18 years of age or above due to the safety critical nature of this role.
As part of the onboarding process, you will be required to complete a safety-critical medical assessment, including drug and alcohol screening.What matters to you?

Here at DB Cargo UK we offer range of benefits as part of your employment. These will include:

We offer a starting salary of at £17,360 per annum with staged uplifts throughout the course of the apprenticeship.
Defined Contribution pension scheme with generous employer contribution - up to 10% employer contribution
Free on-site parking
EV charging at selected sites
Cycle to work Scheme
Access to our employee benefits portal where you can take advantage of discounts for a variety of shops and services as well as accessing our wellbeing content
We take the health and wellbeing of all employees seriously and provide access to an Employee Assistance ProgrammePlease click APPLY to send your CV for this role.

Candidates with experience of: Junior Engineering Technician, Junior Engineering Operative, Trainee Engineer, Apprentice Technician, Engineering Trainee may also be considered for this role