Transport and logistics apprenticeships

Improvement Leader Apprenticeship Level 6; a Worldwide Opportunity!

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Who in the World would employ you?

With the rapid growth of multinational companies and the globalisation of every countries job sector, it has never been more important to stand out from the crowd. A level 6 Improvement Leader Apprenticeship could be exactly what you need.

The UK’s biggest company (BP) which according to the Global 500 is the worlds’ 8th biggest company has the total workforce of 70,000 but only 15,000 are based in the UK. This means the most successful UK company only has 21.4% of its workforce based in the UK. This fact isn’t unique, the world’s biggest company (Walmart) the well known American supermarket chain have 700,000 of their total 2,300,000 employees working outside of America, which equates to 30.4% of their employees. So it is no longer a case of just competing with people from your town or county, you are competing against your continent and the World!

It is important to realise this mass globalisation of jobs isn’t a bad thing, in fact it is a positive. There are almost 200 countries worldwide and now you have a chance to work for any company, from any of these countries, so you are no longer limited to a job in your local town you have the ability to find the job that fits you worldwide.

What will you gain from this apprenticeship?

From this apprenticeship you will gain a level 6 qualification, which is the equivalent of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from University. According The Guardian Only 27.2% of UK adults aged between the age of 16-74 have a qualification of this level, so based on qualifications you will have an advantage against 72.8% of UK adults. According to the HuffPost only 6.7% of the world have a qualification of this level so you are putting yourself ahead of 93.3% of the world’s population with this qualification.

As well as earning this Improvement leader apprenticeship qualification you will gain many skills, including:

  • Improved Strategy Development: You will learn how to develop and adapt your plan and your ability to implement your plan.
  • Team Formation & Leadership: You will learn how to best form a team and the most out of each member of the team
  • Voice of Customer: Understanding and explaining to a team the thoughts of a customer
  • Process Mapping and Analysis: Improving your ability to spot new opportunities from analysis, leading to an improving cycle
  • Data Analysis: The ability to interpret data, and work out how you and your team are performing, and if there are any improvements needed
  • Project selection and scooping: Establishing guidelines for a project you have identified for your team to work on
  • Benchmarking: the ability to compare your company to rivals
A level 6 Improvement Leader Apprentice with the ability to work for any company in the world
Learn how to get the best out of every member of the team

Drive for results

You will develop your drive for both sales and customer experience, inturn inspiring your team to follow suit. As you become successful you will become more passionate in your work creating a positive loop.

Team Working

You will learn you can’t be the best in every field, it is important to create a strong team mentality. You will be responsible for improving team performance and resolving any issues.

Professionalism

You will learn to work to the highest standard, no regardless of any issues. This is desirable to both customers, company owners and members of your own team. Professionalism displays personal resilience to any challenge and shows you aren’t swayed in decision by pressure.

Strategic Thinking

Instead of just planning for today you will learn to plan for different future eventualities. This could involve:

  • Diversifying range of product for if one range becomes unpopular. For example Amazon started off selling books but now they sell groceries, host websites and create TV shows
  • Finding new tools and planning how they could help and be implemented
  • Planning new sales campaigns

Safe Working

Recognising opportunities to improve safe working conditions

An Improvement Leader Apprenticeship, delivering you to your destination
Apply for the Improvement Leader Apprenticeship now and see where in the world it could take you.

Level 3 Rail Engineering Apprenticeship

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Railway Engineers hard at work

Are you looking to kickstart your career in The Railway? If yes, a Rail Engineering Apprenticeship is where you need to be. Rail can represent an interesting and rewarding career path. As a Railway Engineer, you will be doing work that makes a difference to millions of passengers everyday. The apprenticeship is a fantastic way to build on your existing skills and develop new ones that will be essential to your future in the business. 

Not only is this career fun and rewarding, you are also looking at the potential to earn up to £70,000 with the average salary starting at £25,000. 

Occupational Profile for Railway Engineering

Rail Engineering Technicians will provide technical support to Rail Engineers. Some examples of what the engineering disciplines will cover include; track, overhead line, signalling and telecommunications. As an apprentice you will have the opportunity to undertake the core learning and specialise in one particular field. Job titles include: Track Technician, Overhead Line Technician, Electrification Technician, Traction & Rolling Stock Technician, Signalling Technician, Telecoms Technician and Rail Systems Technician.

The entry requirements for this role are typically at least GCSEs in English Language at Grades 9-4, Maths at Grades 9-5 and one other subject at Grades 9-4. Or you will hold an NVQ or BTEC Level 2 of above in an Engineering subject or equivalents. 

Two female rail engineers focused on work in orange vests

Core Knowledge, Skills and behaviours of a Railway Engineer (level 3)

There are several knowledge, skills and behaviours that are required of a railway engineer. Throughout your apprenticeship you will develop and improve each one of these. To see the complete lists, visit Institute for Apprenticeships’ “Rail Engineer Apprenticeship” page.

Knowledge Required

  • Safe and Professional working practices 
  • The scientific, technical, engineering, mathematical and design principles
  • How to work effectively and contribute to engineering solutions and innovation
  • The importance of 3rd party requirements and client confidentiality
  • How the railway works commercially   

Skills Required

  • Keep themselves and others safe by adhering to safe working practices.
  • Plan a high standard of technical work
  • Deliver a high standard of technical work
  • Solve problems
  • Manage resources
  • Communicate effectively

Behaviours that a railway engineer should demonstrate

  • Act professionally
  • Be risk aware
  • Display a self-disciplined, self-motivated, proactive approach to work
  • Work reliably and safely
  • Work effectively and efficiently, individually and as part of a team
  • Receptive to feedback
  • Prepared to make a personal commitment

Specific Knowledge and Skills:

In addition, for the discipline they are following, Technicians will have the following specific knowledge and skills regarding different techniques and methods used to construct, install, maintain and renew The Railway.

Track. You will need a good understanding of track geometry, the requirements, methods and techniques to install track. The impact of the railway environment e.g. tunnels, embankments, vegetation and drainage. Be able to undertake detailed inspection and analyze the performance and condition of track. 

Electrification. Be able to work to high and low voltage power rules, isolation and earthing of electrical systems at different voltages. Work on live battery & inverter systems. Understand, manage and maintain harmonic & power quality systems, transformer rectifiers, motor generators and transformers, DC traction breakers, protection and SCADA control systems.

Overhead Lines. Knowledge of excavation, ground works, different ‘piling’ methods and foundations. Understand construction design and bonding layouts, electrical clearance, insulation installation wiring and risks around radial load and correct methodology. 

Signaling. Understanding and application of safety integrity and fundamental signaling principles as applied to train control systems, the varying types of signal control and the signaling symbols and alphabet used in signaling design drawings. 

Telecoms. Understanding telecoms principles and associated operating procedures for railway communication and information systems (and systems interfaces) including optical networks, passenger alarm, customer information, CCTV and wireless networks. 

Traction & Rolling Stock. Understanding of vehicle design, construction, maintenance and operation. Working knowledge of the traction and rolling stock systems, sub systems and components which include mechanical, electrical, process controller and fluid power equipment. 

Rail Systems. This is a specialism in its own right and requires knowledge and skills from across the rail engineering disciplines above to be able to provide technical support and direction across a number of disciplines including traffic management systems, new train control systems, wheel/rail interface, remote condition monitoring and the requirements of a digital railway.

What Qualifications will you gain?

Qualifications gained during this Apprenticeship:

– Level 3 Rail Engineering (Competence)

– Level 3 Rail Engineering (Technical Knowledge)

Duration of Apprenticeship:

Typically 36 months. This will depend on your previous experience and access to opportunities.

Are you ready to take on the challenge?

See some employers / training providers ready to hire in the links below:

Check us out on LinkedIn and Twitter for industry updates

Rail Engineering Operative Apprenticeship

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Level 2 Rail Engineering Apprenticeship Overview

Are you looking for a meaningful career in The Railway? The Railway has been an incredibly essential part of our development as a nation. Each year, over 1.7 billion train journeys are made in the UK and 9% of all of the UK’s domestic freight was moved by rail. A Rail Engineering Apprenticeship is a fantastic way to build on your existing skills and develop new ones that will be invaluable to a Railway Engineer.

This apprenticeship can put you on the path to becoming a Rail Engineer, a lucrative job that earns on average £53,425 per year (range £22,880 to £143,000).

Level 2 Rail Engineer Apprenticeship employees discussing on a railway track with orange vests
Two engineers discussing on railway tracks with orange vests

Entry Criteria and Core Skills

To be a successful applicant for this job, training providers and employers are looking for a Rail Engineering Apprentice who is aware of safe and professional working practices, general engineering techniques, how to work effectively and contribute towards engineering solutions, has awareness of commercial principles and it’s implications.

So, Core skills for this apprenticeship include the ability to understand and comply with safe working practices, willingness to prepare for and deliver a high standard of technical work, the ability to identify and report problems, to utilise tools, materials and equipment effectively and finally all applicants must possess effective communication skills.

What do I need to be a Rail Engineer Apprentice?

To be a Rail Engineer, you would be on the front line of the railway, keeping all the trains running smoothly through managing safe construction, installation and upkeep of the extensive network.

The day-to-day responsibilities of this apprenticeship include…

  • Assisting in the Construction and maintenance of The Railway and it’s components
  • Contributing to functional and operational tests using specialist equipment
  • Helping to diagnose equipment failures and prevent future faults

Specific Knowledge and Skills required

TRACK Understand the process for track installation, methods and techniques for track inspection, maintenance and replacement, what constitutes a track defect or variation, track work instructions, hot weather restrictions and extreme weather plans. Maintain the track and its environment including vegetation and drainage.

ELECTRIFICATION Understand electrical principals. Under direction: assist in maintenance and installation of railway electrification equipment and components; assist in isolation and earthing of electrical systems at different voltages and frequencies, working on live battery & inverter systems and maintaining substation plant.

OVERHEAD LINES Understand mechanical principles and construction design. Follow instructions to assemble overhead line components so to keep in line with detailed specification, using lifting and access equipment while working at heights.

SIGNALLING Understand function and characteristics of railway signalling systems, including electrical, electronic and mechanical principles. Under direction: install & wire signalling or control systems; install position and label equipment, components and cables, undertake relevant checks; assist in testing of components and equipment plus maintain and rectify signal control systems equipment.

TELECOMS Understand principles of electronic devices, circuits, data and communications equipment. Understand the types of operational constraints when carrying out telecoms installation and maintenance activities.

TRACTION AND ROLLING STOCK Understand vehicle design, construction, maintenance and operation. Under direction, carry out preventative and scheduled maintenance activities and follow vehicle maintenance instructions on T&RS communication equipment and check subsystems are operating correctly.

What Qualifications do I gain?

Qualifications gained during this Apprenticeship:
– Level 2 Rail Engineering (Competence)
– Level 2 Rail Engineering (Technical Knowledge)
Duration of Apprenticeship:
12 months

Maximum Funding available:
– £12,000
Level of Apprenticeship:
Level 2 – Equivalent to 5 GCSE passes (see below)

A Diagram showing the different levels of apprenticeships, and to what they are equivalent. A level 2 apprenticeship is classified as intermediate and is equivalent to 5 GCSE passes.
A diagram to show the different Apprenticeship Levels. This Apprenticeship is a Level 2.

Possible job titles include; Track Operative, Overhead Line Operative, Electrification Operative, Traction & Rolling Stock Operative, Signalling Operative, Telecoms Operative.

Ready to Apply? See some employers / training providers ready to hire in the links below:

Or, check out some of the other engineering and manufacture apprenticeships listed on our website:

Level 3 Bus and Coach Engineering Technician Information

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Do you have a passion for travel? Or maybe a passion for buses, coaches and all big people movers? Or maybe even a passion for fixing things? If you said yes to all three, then an apprenticeship being a Bus and Coach Engineering Technician could be for you! Below will be all the information you could possibly need about kickstarting your career being a Bus and Coach Technician!

Entry requirements, criteria and duration of the apprenticeship.

Generally, individual requirements are set out by each employer as to any characteristics they would like their employees to have but the most consistent ones are having an interest in the bus and coach industry, having general mechanical skills and experience, being organised and analytical and having the ability to solve problems. They also expect at least GCSEs in Maths and English and the ability to speak and write English too.

The usual duration of a Level 3 Bus and Coach Technician is between 3 and 4 years to gain the competence needed to pass the course. It could, however, be shortened if there is prior experience and knowledge into this general area of the industry.

Overview of the apprenticeship itself.

As a technician, you would expect to inspect, diagnose, repair and test equipment and systems on a range of buses and coaches from all different manufacturers. When you join, you would select a specific trade that you would like to go into within the industry, for example being either a mechanic, electrical coachbuilder or mechelec which is a combination between mechanical and electrical. As such, you would work on the systems of all the vehicles within your selected path of the specific trade. Your tasks will be constantly changing as the industry is moving rapidly and you could be doing anything from part replacing to solving complex faults using diagnostic systems. As part of the role, you will also have to follow through with rigorous Health and Safety and legislative requirements too.

Responsibilities

As a Bus and Coach Technician you will be expected to have a range of competencies relating to the role at hand. This ranges from technical skills, to mechanical skills and insights. Some of the competencies are listed below:

  • Carry out the foundation tasks common to all procedures involving basic mechanical and electrical and coachbuilder procedures including: the safe use of hand tools and workshop equipment; safe use of power tools and equipment; the use of mechanical and electronic measuring equipment; test equipment and gauges; basic workshop practices and procedures relating to working on vehicles and components; assembly processes for mechanical units, electrical circuits and coachbuilding, including various fixing and joining methods.
  • Inspect and prepare a vehicle to the required company and DVSA standards to successfully pass the elements of mandated, pre-arranged vehicle tests specific to their trade
  • Contribute to the maintenance of a safe and efficient workshop and adhere to company and legislative processes
  • Use current and emerging technology to access specific relevant information held within engineering manuals, drawings and electronic resources.
  • Carry out planned preventative maintenance and repairs within chosen trade
  • Remove repair/replace components in line with manufacturers and company procedures
  • Investigate defects reported by drivers and identify the root cause and eliminate recurring defects, relevant to chosen trade
  • Maintain records to company and Operators Licence obligations and regulations

The type of person you should be for the role

As a Bus and Coach Technician, your employer will expect you to be a certain type of person to fit the role effectively. This includes being able to communicate effectively with colleagues, manufacturers and suppliers on a wide range of topics which will help supporting you with inspecting, diagnosing, repairing and testing of faults. It also is expected for you to be courteous and respect all customers and stakeholders within the business too as well as being an effective team player with the ability to take responsibility, ownership and accountability of your actions. It is also expected for you to continue developing and to help mentor less experienced employees too while having a strong work ethic and to be reliable, flexible and a good time keeper.

Conclusion

This summarises all the information you would need to know about being a Bus and Coach Technician. If this is something that interests you then it is a good industry to get into since it is always expanding and changing year on year. There are plenty of job opportunities available to you with many progression opportunities upon completion of the apprenticeship with the added bonus of earning while you are learning too! Thank you for reading!