Rail Signalling Testing Engineer - Apprenticeship Programme 2024

Transform our urban legacy 

With AtkinsRéalis, you'll be in great company.

Do you want to join a team that asks questions and dares to see things differently? A team that is engineering a better future for our planet and its people?

We are AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. When you join us, you’ll be helping to create world-class sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology. We’re transforming the world’s infrastructure and energy systems, growing partnerships with our clients and bringing the most complex projects across the world to life.

Here, you’ll find endless opportunities to take your career in the direction that you want. You’ll join a diverse, inclusive, supportive environment, and be surrounded by inspiring colleagues.

Our global team of 36,000+ employees speak over 70 languages and represent 130 nationalities across six continents. Our work covers a variety of sectors, including transportation, infrastructure, environment, water, energy, defence, technology and aerospace.

Join our Apprenticeship Programme to be a part of the future of design and engineering.

While you develop in your apprenticeship, we also encourage you to maintain a positive work-life balance. So, during our recruitment process, tell us what matters to you. Speak to us about how we support wellbeing in and out of the office – including different ways to be flexible around work. We’re not all the same, and that’s our greatest strength. Reaching your full potential means being able to bring your whole self to work and being respected for the different opinions, strengths and experience you bring. Find out more about why we believe ‘Different, makes a difference’.

The opportunity:

Ever wondered what it takes to keep our railway network moving safely? If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow and shape a meaningful career with a company whose purpose is to engineer a better future for the planet and its people, then joining our new signalling apprentice team could be a fantastic place to start your career.  

The AtkinsRéalis Signalling team are creating a new apprentice team who will support future testing work on projects across the southern region and nationwide. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on key infrastructure projects such as the Southern Integrated Delivery (SID) Framework with Network Rail. 

As an Apprentice Tester, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on an exhilarating journey and become part of the team ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of railway signalling systems. You'll receive hands-on training, guided mentorship, and practical experience in testing and maintaining complex signalling equipment, contributing directly to the safety and reliability of the entire rail network. 

The modules for the qualification you’ll be studying will be delivered at our offices in Epsom, and when you’re not working on-site on a project, you’ll spend time with our experts at our Technical Hub in Egham which is our off-site testing facility. The facility at Egham allows us to do the important things like test project data, integrate project elements and to research and develop new solutions. Due to the ever-changing needs of the client and projects you could be living and working at various locations across the UK but likely initially to be in the Southern region.  

The apprenticeship:  

Your apprenticeship will be a mix of training and hands-on experience that will complement each other across a 3 year structured programme. This starts in the first year providing you with training and information about working safely on the railway and taking you through industry recognised training courses such as Basic Signalling, Signal Works Testing Mod 5 (Assistant Tester) and Electronic Principles.  

There is a blended learning approach which will include face-to-face learning, on-the-job learning, webinars, assessments, assignments and presentations. Year 2 and 3 you’ll see progression to achieving an IRSE (Institute of Railway Signal Engineers) licence and working towards professional membership. At the end of the year 3 you’ll achieve a Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician qualification and a range of industry recognised training courses. 

The role:  

Day to day you’ll be working as part of a site team alongside the client on projects which could be anything from an upgrade to a Level Crossing, to legacy work on a major renewal of railway signalling at the forefront of digital IP technology using our own ElectroLogIXS electronic interlocking and level crossing controller system. You might not fully understand what this all means now but we’re confident that fairly quickly you will, and you’ll be as passionate as we are about developing the future of signalling.  

Here's some specifics for you so you can see in more detail what you could be involved in, but don’t worry if you don’t understand it all now, we’ll help bring this to life at interview stage: 

• Under the guidance of experienced professionals, you’ll gain a deep understanding of railway signalling systems, safety protocols, and testing methodologies. 
• Assist in conducting thorough testing, inspection, and maintenance of signalling equipment, including switches, signals, track circuits, and interlocking systems. 
• Develop the ability to diagnose faults and anomalies within signalling systems, working closely with the senior team members to troubleshoot and rectify issues promptly. 
• Work within strict safety procedures to ensure the safety of you and your colleagues as you work. 
• Collaborate with senior testers, engineers, and others to enhance your understanding of signalling technology and its role within the broader railway operations. 
• Contribute ideas to improve testing processes, efficiency, and safety protocols, showcasing your commitment to development and innovation. 
• As you advance, gradually take on more responsibilities and develop into a skilled professional capable of independent testing and maintenance tasks. 
• Thrive in an environment where you may be required to respond to emergencies or changing situations quickly and effectively. 
  
  

What we need from you:  

If what we’ve shared so far sounds interesting and you’re wondering what you might need to join our apprentice programme, then here’s a few things you’ll want to consider: 

• Due to railway health and safety requirements, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old when you join us in early 2024 and will need a full clean driving license at this point. This is essential for the role as it’s site based. 
• You’ll need at least a GCSE Grade 4 in Maths and English or equivalent
• A willingness to learn, develop and have the curiosity to ask questions and gain experience from those around you. 
• Although the role is home-based in your contract, there is a requirement to travel daily, to work and stay away from home at locations around the UK (often for extended periods of time), and to work unsociable hours, often in inclement weather conditions. Transport will be provided. We hope this doesn’t put you off, but this might not be for everyone so it’s important you know this from the outset. 

What we can offer you: 

In addition to all the training and support we’ve mentioned above, and you’d expect from us, we aim to promote a workplace which allows our people to perform at their best. So, as well as ensuring you’re rewarded for your efforts, we also have a variety of initiatives in place to create a healthy workplace and support your well-being: 

• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays. You also have the option to buy an additional 15 days or sell up to 5 days
• An attractive salary and salary progression structure (to be discussed at interview) 
• Flexible working arrangements   
• An enhanced maternity scheme and family friendly policies
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing you with immediate and confidential help for any work, health or life matters  
• Two paid annual volunteer days to be used with a charity or STEM initiative of your choice  
• Join any of our employee networks for social interaction, peer support and personal development, as well as contributing to the development of policies and working practices 
• Opportunities to further develop yourself by applying to our Women’s Professional Development Programme and ethnic minority Empowering Programme  

 To view all available benefits, visit our Total Rewards portal.

How do I apply?

Please click "Apply" below to start your application journey.

You can also check out our Connectr platform for tips and advice on applying. On Connectr you can even message your questions directly to one of our apprentice mentors.

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, and can make adjustments to support you to perform at your best during the recruitment process. Please contact us confidentially at apprenticeships@atkinsrealis.com to find out how we can support you.

Our deadline for applications is Friday 26th April 2024. Our programmes are incredibly popular, so apply early as some roles may close sooner.

More about us:

AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. We design and deliver major projects on the built and natural environments all around the world. We believe that digitally enabled engineering has the power to radically improve the way we are all housed, connected, powered, and protected and can change our relationship with our communities and our planet for the better. Learn more.

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance.  If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer.

If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance.

AtkinsRéalis are an A rated sponsor, if you have any queries regarding sponsorship, please visit our International Student careers page.

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.