Signalling & Telecoms (S&T) provide cost-effective engineering solutions for railway signalling projects throughout the UK.
As a team we manage the full project life cycle and complete all aspects of design, project engineering, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance support, across all signalling technologies, equipment and systems.
We also provide design, supply, install and test services for operational and lineside telecommunication renewals, either as a single discipline provider, or as part of multidisciplinary project, to ensure end-to-end connectivity. We also offer these capabilities for station information and security systems.
We are currently working on a number of contracts some examples of which include the S&T Framework for NW&C, SP&C Framework in Scotland, TransPennine Route upgrade (TRue) and Train Control System Framework (TCSF) for provision of ETCS.
Signalling Apprentice- Install & Test
To support the future development of our Railway Signalling business, VolkerRail is looking to recruit people to undertake apprentice training. We are looking for two people to complete a level 3 qualifications leading to a ‘Trailblazer’ apprenticeship based in the South at our Tonbridge depot with a requirement to travel.
The level 3 apprenticeship will take 3 years to complete.
During this time you will :-
- Receive training in Railway Signalling Competence and Knowledge
- Undertake work experience across all our Signalling Engineering disciplines
- work at the cutting edge of innovative technology
- have the opportunity to collaborate with highly skilled engineers to design and deliver high profile rail projects
What is on offer?
VolkerRail is keen to recruit and train motivated, enthusiastic and talented people. We are looking for driven, personable and enthusiastic young people to join our Apprenticeship Schemes in our Signalling division.
The successful candidates will have 5 GSCE’s (or equivalent) grade A* - C / grade 9 - 5 including Maths, English and Science, possess an engineering aptitude and enjoy problem solving.
You must be aged 18 on or before the 1st October 2025, this is to ensure that we are compliant with Health & Safety requirements and regulations around shift patterns and working at night for under 18s. There is no upper age limit for the programme.
We will pay the following salaries
Year 1- £22,000 (*Or National minimum wage whichever is the highest)
Year 2- £24,000 *
Year 3- £26,000 *
About you
What will you do during the apprenticeship?
You will be working at the forefront of innovative technology implementing complex signalling control systems to ensure that the UK travelling public are able to undertake their train journeys in the most efficient and safest way possible.
You will help turn design concepts for railway signalling systems into reality, delivering complex engineering solutions to provide the highest satisfaction to our customers.
During your apprenticeship you will gain work experience in the following areas:-
- Design – Working with the teams who design the safety critical signalling system
- Installation – Working trackside with the teams who construct the new signalling systems
- Testing and commissioning – Working with the teams who independently test and commissioning the signalling system to ensure that it performs as it is designed
- Project Engineering – Working across design, installation and testing to ensure the signalling system can be built safely, and meets the customer requirements and standards
- Project Management – Working with the people who take responsibility for the safe, on time, and on budget delivery of the project from design through to the commissioning and handback of the scheme
What are the prospects upon completion of the apprenticeship?
We pride ourselves on the success of our Signalling Apprenticeships which have been running for the last five years. On completion of the scheme, all of our apprentices have been offered roles as Junior Engineers in the Design, Installation or Testing departments, with the majority of our Junior Engineers continuing onto Level 4 qualifications to further their progression.
Our business offers lots of opportunities for talented individuals to explore different project roles that continue to deliver entire railway systems. We have had former apprentices go on to become project managers, and project engineers after working their way through a junior engineering role.
What do I need to be to take advantage of this opportunity?
Engineering is about using your science and maths to design and make things, in this case Signalling systems. Our world is a complex and challenging environment so the ability to solve problems is essential to being successful.
Being able to communicate effectively with your teams and clients collaborating to safely deliver a scheme on time and to the satisfaction of the customer is crucial to the success of our business.
An ability to ask questions to gain an understanding of what we do will help you stand out from the crowd as your career advances.
A diligent logical and conscientious approach to your work in which you are accountable for delivering right first time.
We deliver work in all 4 corners of Great Britain meaning a driving licence is vital in order to travel to our work sites.
Our access opportunities to complete works during railway shut downs are limited, we therefore need a flexible workforce that are available to complete works during the available access opportunities. We work when others don’t, so you will be required to work weekends, night shifts and Bank Holidays. You will also be required to stay in hotels away from home for periods depending on where your allocated projects are.
Individual commitment is crucial for the success and safe delivery of our projects for our clients, VolkerRail and you.
Why work with us?
VolkerRail is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.
By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerRail are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.
We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.
We offer a range of benefits, including:
- Competitive salary
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
- Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
- Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits
- Employee Assistance programme
- Mental health, physical health, and financial support
Fairness, inclusion and respect
We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.
If you need support with your application, please contact us at careers@volkerwessels.co.uk
Additional information
Note for Recruitment Agencies:
Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release.
We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed to careers@volkerwessels.co.uk
VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.
