This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- New apprentices who joined in the year to February 2026
- 290
- Source: Network Rail media centre (opens in a new tab)
- Apprentices recruited over the five years to February 2026
- 1,780
- Source: Network Rail media centre (opens in a new tab)
- Approximate miles of track Network Rail looks after
- 20,000
- Source: Network Rail (opens in a new tab)
- Length of the Level 3 engineering apprenticeship
- 3 years
- Source: Network Rail early careers (opens in a new tab)
Overview
Network Rail runs one of the widest-ranging apprenticeship programmes we’ve researched. It offers apprenticeships at Level 3, Level 4 and Level 6, covering rail engineering plus finance, HR, IT, project management and even a Level 6 machine learning (AI) engineering apprenticeship.
How many apprentices?
In February 2026 Network Rail said it had taken on 290 new apprentices in the past year, and 1,780 over the last five years. It describes itself as one of the UK’s top 100 apprenticeship employers.
What engineering apprentices do
The Level 3 programme trains you as a rail engineering technician. Network Rail’s advice for a past intake describes a three-year programme mixing practical, hands-on experience with theory, with qualifications from bodies including Edexcel, City & Guilds and ILM.
Not just engineering
Network Rail also has apprenticeships in office-based areas like finance, HR and project management, plus degree-level programmes in digital and technology solutions and machine learning. Whatever you do, you earn while you learn and help keep the railway running safely.
What they do
Network Rail describes its role as owning, operating, maintaining and developing the railway infrastructure in England, Scotland and Wales, including around 20,000 miles of track, thousands of signals and level crossings, and 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts. It manages 20 of the largest stations directly. Its apprenticeship page says apprenticeships span engineering, finance, business and IT.
Apprenticeships they offer
-
Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (England and Wales)
Rail engineering
A three-year programme mixing hands-on experience with theory. One apprentice Network Rail profiled in 2026 specialises in overhead line equipment.
-
Engineering Apprenticeship (Scotland)
Rail engineering
Listed separately for Scotland. The programme filter refers to an SCQF Level 7 engineering apprenticeship; check the official page for details.
-
Level 3 apprenticeships in finance, HR support, IT and rail infrastructure operations
Finance, HR, IT, business and management
-
Level 4 Project Management Apprenticeship
Project management
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Level 6 apprenticeships
Civil engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, rail and rail systems (signalling), digital and technology solutions, machine learning (AI) engineering, project management
Career areas
Entry requirements
- Level 3 engineering (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
- GCSE maths at grade 9–5 (A*–C), plus English language, a science or engineering subject and one other subject at grade 9–4 (A*–C). Network Rail lists equivalents, including some Level 2 NVQ or BTEC qualifications and Functional Skills Level 2 in maths and English. Published in Network Rail's application advice for an earlier Level 3 engineering intake. Requirements may have changed.
- Level 3 engineering (Scotland)
- Four Scottish Standard Grades at 1–3 or National 5s. From the same advice page, published for an earlier intake.
Who can apply
- Network Rail's application advice says successful candidates for the Level 3 engineering scheme must attend a medical.
- The same page says depots within 60 minutes' travel of your home are considered.
Our tips for Network Rail
- Network Rail lists programmes separately for England and Wales, and for Scotland. Make sure you're looking at the right one for where you live.
- Into tech rather than engineering? Look at the Level 6 digital and technology solutions and machine learning (AI) apprenticeships. Railway companies are easy to miss when you're looking for digital careers.
- Check the date on any entry requirements you find. Application advice is sometimes written for one particular year.
- Read some of Network Rail's apprentice stories. They show the range of people who join, including graduates changing careers.
Summary
- Network Rail took on 290 apprentices in the year to February 2026, and 1,780 over five years.
- It offers Level 3, 4 and 6 apprenticeships, not just in engineering but in IT, finance, HR, project management and AI.
- The Level 3 engineering apprenticeship takes three years and mixes hands-on work with theory.
- England and Wales and Scotland have separate programmes, so check the right one for where you live.
Related video
Ismael: Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Apprentice
Questions about Network Rail apprenticeships
What qualifications do you need for a Network Rail apprenticeship?
For an earlier Level 3 engineering intake, Network Rail asked for GCSE maths at grade 5 or above, plus English language, a science or engineering subject and one other subject at grade 4 or above. In Scotland it asked for four Standard Grades at 1–3 or National 5s.
How long is the Network Rail engineering apprenticeship?
The Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician Apprenticeship takes three years and mixes hands-on experience with theory.
Does Network Rail do apprenticeships in Scotland and Wales?
Does Network Rail have non-engineering apprenticeships?
Yes. There are Level 3 apprenticeships in finance, HR, IT and rail operations, a Level 4 project management apprenticeship, and Level 6 routes including digital and technology solutions and machine learning (AI).
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.
- Apprenticeships (programme listings) (opens in a new tab)
- Applying for a Level 3 Engineering apprenticeship (opens in a new tab) Advice written for an earlier intake.
- Network Rail apprentices powering the future of our railway (opens in a new tab) Published 10 February 2026.
- Apprenticeships (opens in a new tab)
- Who we are (opens in a new tab)