Engineering

Level 6 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship

Network Rail

Salary

£24,500

Duration

up to 5 years

Degree awarded

Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)

Start date

1 September 2026

Minimum grades

GCSE Maths and English grade 4 or above (5 GCSEs A-C minimum including Maths and English); A Levels BBC including Mathematics and preferably a Science; or equivalent level 3 qualifications including Mathematics and Physical Sciences

About the role

As part of the scheme, you will be balancing part-time university study with practical experience, allowing you to learn the fundamentals of the railway while supporting project engineering teams to renew and enhance rail infrastructure for the benefit of passengers. You will also complete industry led training to develop an understanding of the railway as a complex system, including design and construction work. To widen your skillset in as many areas as possible, you're likely to take part in planned rotations across several different functions (where opportunities allow) while ongoing part-time and internal training to help you develop the skills needed for a career with Network Rail. You'll gain experience across a variety of rail projects, working in design, asset management and project delivery teams. Working within Eastern Region this could include stations, bridges, earthworks and a range of railway infrastructure including Overhead Line foundations and supports for signalling infrastructure and power suppliers. You'll find yourself working a variety of shift patterns, travelling to various sites, and working across a mix of weather conditions whilst always having the health and safety of your colleagues at the forefront of your mind.

Requirements

Enthusiastic individuals who are logical thinkers with an organised mindset. You should enjoy collaborating with other team members and be confident in communicating with people of all levels. Self-motivated with a good work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, proactive team player, passionate and eager to contribute your thoughts, create fresh ideas, and challenge yourself. An interest in Engineering and ability to connect with others easily and build strong relationships. Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).

Skills

Engineering knowledgeDesign and constructionProject deliveryAsset managementProblem solvingTeam collaborationCommunicationHealth and safety awareness

Required qualifications

Essential

GCSE · Maths · Grade 4

Essential

GCSE · English · Grade 4

Essential

A Level · Mathematics · Grade B

Desired

A Level · Science (Chemistry or Physics) · Grade B

Essential

T Level · Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning · Grade Merit

Essential

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma · Engineering · Grade DDM

Essential

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma · Engineering · Grade DD

Essential

Apprenticeship · Civil Engineering Technician Level 3 · Grade DD

Training & development

Structured learning combined with practical experience, balancing part-time university study with hands-on experience on rail projects. Industry led training to develop an understanding of the railway as a complex system, including design and construction work. Part-time and internal training to develop skills needed for a career with Network Rail. Planned rotations across several different functions to widen skillset.

Future prospects

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, which will take up to 5 years, you can apply for Project Engineer positions within Network Rail. You'll be supported to develop the core knowledge, skills and behaviours that can contribute towards future professional registration, such as Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Company benefits

Solid training and development opportunities to enhance your knowledge, increase your confidence, and enable you to achieve your career ambitions. Support for professional registration towards Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Career progression opportunities with Project Engineer positions available upon completion.

About Network Rail

Network Rail is responsible for operating, planning, and maintaining Britain's railway infrastructure. The company shapes the world we move through every day and is committed to building, maintaining, and improving the railway.

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