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SALARY: £46,888 per annum - 75% salary for training period
ROLE TYPE: On site
HOURS: 35 per week
Keeping trains moving starts long before they reach the platform. As part of our Engineering team at one of our TrainCare Centres, you’d play a vital role in making sure our fleet is fuelled, positioned and ready for service. This is a hands-on, safety-critical role where your work directly affects how reliably our customers get where they need to be.
You’d be right at the heart of the depot, moving trains safely around the site, preparing them for service and helping the wider team keep everything running smoothly. No two shifts are the same, and the work you do behind the scenes keeps the whole railway on track.
What you’ll be doing
Shunting trains within the TrainCare Centre boundaries, making sure each unit is in the right place at the right time
Fuelling trains and replenishing water tanks so they’re fully prepared for service
Carrying out train preparation tasks to ensure safety and readiness before departure
Working in a safety-critical, time-sensitive environment and following all operational and safety instructions
Communicating clearly with colleagues across the depot to keep work flowing smoothly
About you
You don’t need train-driving experience to get started. What matters is how you approach the job.
The ability to stay calm, focused and adaptable in a busy, 24/7 operational environment
Confidence working to strict safety procedures and instructions
Clear communication skills and a team-first mindset
Strong organisation skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks when things get busy
No rail experience? That’s absolutely fine. You’ll take part in a comprehensive training programme lasting around 5 to 8 weeks, followed by up to 6 months of supported development at our TrainCare Centres. Our expert teams will be with you every step of the way as you build confidence and capability in the role.
Safety-critical requirements
This role is safety critical and regulated by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). To be considered, you must:
Live within a 45-minute car journey of the TrainCare Centre you’ll work from
Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
Pass a safety-critical medical, including drugs and alcohol screening
Have no defective colour vision
Meet the required psychometric standards
Applications that do not meet these criteria cannot be progressed.
What’s in it for you?
At Northern, we don’t just value our people – we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:
Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
Enhanced Family Benefits: 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plug-in hybrid car.
Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
Training and Career Development: Tailored training, recognised qualifications and clear career pathways across the business.
Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate the people who make a difference every day.
Why Northern?
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.
At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to help remove unconscious bias and make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
Working at Northern
Hybrid - HQ teams (work where you're needed), Operational teams (work across the network)
A little flex time
Company employees:
7000+
Gender diversity (m:f):
79:21
Hiring in countries
United Kingdom
Office Locations
Company benefits
25 days annual leave + bank holidays
Adoption leave
Buy or sell annual leave – purchase up to 5 days
Carer’s leave
Compassionate leave
Cycle to work scheme
Electric Car Salary Sacrifice
Emergency leave
Employee assistance programme
Employee discounts
Employee phone programme
Enhanced maternity leave – 9 months full pay
Enhanced paternity leave – 2 weeks full pay
Enhanced pension match/contribution – defined benefit scheme, 1.5x employer contribution
Enhanced sick pay
Eye Care Support
Faith rooms
Fertility treatment leave
In house training
Learning platform
Mental health first aiders
Mentoring
Neonatal leave
Open to job sharing
Open to part-time employees
Optional unpaid leave
Pregnancy loss leave
Pregnancy support
Professional subscriptions
Reservist leave
Sabbaticals
Shared parental leave
Travel credit – Free travel on Northern trains, discounted travel on other operators across the UK and Europe
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