Make a sustainable impact for the future.
How about starting your career by learning, earning, and making a real impact? As an apprentice at AtkinsRéalis, you'll work on projects that engineer a better future for our planet and its people. You'll gain hands-on experience in roles that interest you and you’ll have plenty of support to balance work and study. Added to that you’ll enjoy a wide range of flexible benefits and a vibrant, supportive early careers community of colleagues.
We are AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. When you join us, you’ll be helping to create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems.
Our global team of 36,000+ employees speak over 70 languages and represents 130 nationalities across six continents. Our work covers a variety of sectors, including transportation, infrastructure, environment, water, energy, defence, technology, and aerospace. Here, you’ll join a diverse, inclusive environment, and be surrounded by inspiring colleagues.
Through our apprenticeship programme, you’ll experience outstanding training and support for every step in your career. Put your hand up for opportunities that interest you and be inspired by managers who want to see you succeed.
We know you reach your full potential when you bring your whole self to work and are valued for your unique opinions, strengths, and experiences. Discover how our #DifferentMakesADifference programme advances equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace and industry.
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 adding to our 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 by our dedicated industry training provider at their rail training school in Purley, London, 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.
Hear from our apprentices about life inside AtkinsRéalis and check out our early careers blogs.
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.
Further information about the apprenticeship standard can be found here.
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 diagose 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 at 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 a changing environment whee you will need to be agile to respond to different situations.
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 September 2025 and will need a full clean driving licence at this point. This is essential for the role as it is site based.
• You’ll need at least a GCSE Grade C/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. Your transport and accommodation costs will be reimbursed. 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.
Meeting your needs:
As well as ensuring you’re rewarded for your efforts, we also have a variety of initiatives to support you:
• 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 progression structure - to be discussed at interview. Our starting salaries are between £20,000 and £27,352 depending on the role.
• Flexible working arrangements
• Join hundreds of talented apprentices, with opportunities from skill-building to social events, charity challenges, social clubs, and more
• Access to a wide variety of benefits including discounted gym membership, retail discounts and much more. To view all available benefits, visit our Total Rewards portal.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program providing you with immediate and confidential help for any work, health or life matters as part of our approach to well-being
• Two paid annual volunteer days
• Join any of our employee networks for social interaction, peer support and personal development
• Opportunities to further develop yourself by applying to various companywide development programmes
• You will be given a dedicated buddy / mentor who will be available to provide help, support and answer all your questions to provide an insight into the day-to-day activities of the company and help you to prepare right from the start.
How do I apply?
Please click "Apply Now" 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 Thursday 20th February 2025. Our programmes are incredibly popular, so apply early as some roles may close sooner.
Additional information
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 details of any current or previously held security clearance.
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.
For our apprentice roles you’ll need to be living in the UK for 3 years prior to applying and must hold, and be able to evidence, the Right to Work in the UK before your start date. For more detailed information please refer to our International Student page.
