|
The railway in Wales needs more skilled engineers to support its continuing growth, says Network Rail Wales today as it announces its latest advanced apprenticeship scheme for 2012.
Network Rail Wales is looking to increase its intake of apprentices, particularly to be trained in electrical engineering skills, ahead of the forthcoming electrification of parts of the railway in south Wales.
Route managing director Mark Langman said: "The railway in Wales is growing and we have big plans, including the £200m re-signalling and enhancement project in Cardiff and main line electrification. We need talented and ambitious young people to join us and be part of a 1,300 strong team in Wales helping millions of people get to their destinations safely and reliably.
“We have six depots across Wales generating potential employment opportunities to prospective applicants from across the region, including those from rural areas. Beyond their apprenticeships, employees have the opportunity to undertake a higher national certificate, a foundation degree and then a full degree in engineering. They can earn while they learn and go as far as their aptitude, attitude and ambition can take them.”
Applications officially open on Monday 6 February with the launch of a Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ontrack – promoting the scheme.
Apprentices will spend a year training alongside the Royal Navy at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. Here they will learn both the technical skills required to work on the railway and develop leadership and teamwork behaviours, which will make them more effective in their roles, Network Rail says.
They will then continue their training for two further years on-the-job at depots across Wales before returning to HMS Sultan for additional courses.
In the first year, apprentices will be paid £8,400 , with a £1,150 bonus on completion of the year. The salary rises to £11,750 in the second year and £14,000 in the third.
In the first year, Network Rail will also feed, pay for accommodation and provide the clothing and personal protective equipment that they need.
After three years, apprentices will have the qualifications – NVQ, BTec and ILM (Institute of Leadership & Management) – and skills for a career with Network Rail.
More information on Network Rail's advanced apprentice scheme is available on its website.
The Construction Index
|
