Let’s find your next opportunity
AI Assistant: {{ chat.assistant.message }}
Suggested roles matches
Sort By
{{ job.job_posting_title
}}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}
We are sorry there are no jobs that match your exact criteria. Try a new search term, or use the filters to continue browsing for available opportunities.
Suggested roles matches
{{ job.title }}
{{ job.title }}
{{ [job.cities[0], job.regions[0], job.countries[0]].join(', ') }}
Various locations
We are sorry there are no jobs that match your exact criteria. Try a new search term, or use the filters to continue browsing for available opportunities.
Let’s find your next opportunity
{{ job.job_posting_title
}}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}
My hands-on rail apprenticeship: gaining qualifications and thriving on growth opportunities
Hello! I'm Rowen, a first-year apprentice rail signaling testing engineer. I started my career journey as a 16-year-old studying for A-levels while working overtime at a fast-food chain. Tired and unhappy, I knew I wanted more and gave myself a year to find it. After finishing my A-levels, I applied for engineering degrees and apprenticeships across various fields, eventually landing a degree apprenticeship at a pharmaceutical company. I started with high hopes but soon realized the progression was limited—it wasn't the right fit for me.
What does an apprentice rail signaling testing engineer do?
I work on new signaling projects across the UK as part of an amazing, diverse team of individuals. I'm also studying for a level 3 engineering technician qualification and my Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) certification. At the moment, my day-to-day consists of a lot of training all around the country, getting on track with specific projects such as SID and putting what we learn in the classroom to use on-site.
What skills do I need for a rail signaling apprenticeship?
I went back to the drawing board to reflect on my skills and what I truly wanted in a career. I'm a strong communicator, a confident decision-maker, and detail-oriented. I knew I wanted to be challenged and work in a hands-on, impactful role. Growing up, I watched my father build a long-lasting, meaningful career in the railway industry, and I was always intrigued by his work. He often promoted railway careers, calling signal engineering the "golden opportunity."
With this in mind, I knew engineering was the right path. Researching signaling, I discovered it perfectly aligned with my personality and skillset—especially the testing practice. After three months of searching, I found the ideal apprenticeship with AtkinsRéalis and applied immediately.
Why I chose an apprenticeship with AtkinsRéalis:
I've been at AtkinsRéalis for five months, and since joining, my experience so far has been nothing short of amazing. Every day, I get to collaborate with so many different and unique sectors of the transportation team, from design and construction to installation and testing (where I sit).
I've experienced non-stop progression and opportunities since the day I joined. From a technical standpoint, I've attained highly sought-after job-specific qualifications like MOD 5, the test assistant course, and Basic Signalling One and Two (BS1 and BS2). I've also grown professionally by attending seminars and career events. All of this has been fully supported by my line manager and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
What is the culture like at AtkinsRéalis for apprentices?
From a social perspective, I've met some wonderful colleagues who are experts in their respective fields and always willing to help me with anything. I've also made great friends. I was one of seven new apprentices who joined the signaling test team this year, and within four months, I've made some genuine, long-lasting connections.
Love hands-on, impactful work? Seize this opportunity to collaborate with a talented and supportive team. Browse LIVE roles on our Rail Signalling Testing Engineer Apprenticeship Programme.
Related blogs
Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager
From aeronautics to a leading role on Québec’s REM project: How Réjean Perreault found purpose as a civil engineer and project manager at AtkinsRéalis.
Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall
Discover Josée’s career journey from Scenic services manager to Director of Operations at the Maison symphonique de Montréal, where she ensures everything runs in perfect harmony.
Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering
Irene Seo, P.Eng shares her woman in engineering career journey from an early role in civil engineering to a director role with global influence.
Building roads and a career: My Journey as a Woman in Civil Engineering
From supervising to leading highway operations: Catherine’s career journey speaks of teamwork, growth, and the value of women in civil engineering.
Mechanical engineering jobs in nuclear: What it's like starting out.
Here's how I turned two summer placements into a full‑time career in mechanical engineering in nuclear.
My early career in the heart of the nuclear renaissance: Chinmay’s journey at AtkinsRéalis
From campus to clean energy innovation — Chinmay’s story captures what it means to start your career at AtkinsRéalis. As a young engineer, he’s helping shape the future of nuclear technology through curiosity, collaboration, and purpose-driven work.
How global carbon training boosts my sustainable leadership at AtkinsRéalis
I joined carbon training for the skills – and left with a whole new perspective on leading across borders.
Bringing my carbon tool to life with expert global colleagues
Discover how carbon training at AtkinsRéalis helped me grow my expertise and helped create a carbon quantification tool now used across transportation projects.
Why Ireland Is the Place to Build Your Engineering Career
Are you ready? How leaders can break past the ceiling, take on bigger roles, and deliver Ireland's most ambitious programmes.
Tackling the carbon challenge: My part in sustainabillity at AtkinsRéalis
Imagine leading change, building carbon solutions with our global AtkinsRéalis team.
Building a brilliant career in defence
Breaking barriers and building a rewarding career in defence – here's how I did it.
Engineering jobs in Ireland: Build your legacy on major projects
Join AtkinsRéalis Ireland to work on Metrolink, Dublin Airport, Water Supply Project and more. Explore engineering jobs, leadership opportunities, and career growth.
Related jobs
We are sorry there are no jobs that match your exact criteria. Try a new search term, or use the filters to continue browsing for available opportunities.
Talent Community
Would you like to know more? Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to stay connected and engaged with us at AtkinsRéalis.