Job Description

Do you enjoy working hands-on? Are you naturally inquisitive and a born problem-solver? Do you want to join a dynamic industry that is relied on the world over to deliver goods and keep the economy moving? Like the idea of earning a salary while you gain a qualification, gaining genuine experience on real projects alongside experienced technicians? Then a Rail Engineering Technician apprenticeship with Electro-Motive Diesel could be the perfect start to your career.

Progress Rail - Electro Motive Diesel is a subsidiary of Caterpillar, specialized in manufacturing, maintaining and overhauling diesel-electric locomotives across the world. With freight being moved by rail in over 170 countries worldwide, completing a Rail Engineering Technician apprenticeship with us is the first step in a growing global industry.

We have apprenticeship opportunities available in the following locations:

Peterborough, PE1 2AS

As a Rail Engineering Technician apprentice, you'll be working alongside our experienced technicians at our depots to meet our customers expectations, making sure our locomotive fleet is maintained and repaired to required standards and "track worthy". You'll develop an understanding of locomotive design, construction, maintenance and operations. You'll gain practical experience working with traction and rolling stock systems, sub systems and components which include mechanical, electrical, process controller and fluid power equipment. You will be able to find, diagnose and correct faults, identify potential faults and defects within electrical systems, and maintain and renew a range of types of traction and rolling stock.

Our apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Reaseheath College in Nantwich, which you'll attend (in blocks of 3 weeks) to further expand your theoretical understanding. The practical skills earned can lead to long term opportunities in a variety of different roles including; senior technician, engineer, workshop supervisor, team leader, project management, quality assurance.

By the time you complete your qualification, you will have gained knowledge and exposure of traction, wheel sets, brakes, train protection, air conditioning and ventilation, doors, vehicle trims and fittings

Freight is moved across the railway 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A locomotive suffering down time can have a significant impact on our customers and the wider population. Therefore many of our depots work a shift pattern, including 24 hours, to ensure we can respond and get things back on track as quickly as possible. Entering a career in rail requires you to be willing to work in all weathers and at all times, including nights, weekends and public holidays.

We can offer you

Gain a Level 3 qualification Earn a wage while you study Full support and guidance while you study, work and learn alongside our experienced Technicians 33 days holiday entitlement Company sick pay 5% pension contributions Life assurance scheme Employee assistance program Retail discounts Fuel cards
Join us and you will be joining an organisation committed to nurturing your talent and helping you fulfil your potential as you take your exciting first steps in this fast-paced and growing global industry.

What we would love you to bring to the role:

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with a genuine interest in pursuing a career in Engineering. You'll be keen to expand your knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering by gaining practical experience whilst studying for a qualification. You'll have a keen eye for detail, be a natural problem-solver and approach tasks with a can-do attitude. Successful candidates will have excellent timekeeping and communication skills. You'll be a passionate team-player, willing to help others to get the job done, but you'll also be keen to develop your skills to work unassisted. You'll need to be based in a commutable distance to our Peterborough depot. Must be resident in the UK and have valid right to work.

Job Type: Apprenticeship

Pay: From 9.74 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount Referral programme Sick pay
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 13/07/2025
Reference ID: EMD Rail Technician Apprenticeship Peterborough