Northern
Skilled Train Maintainer/ Depot Driver
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Engineering Technician and Depot Driver
Business function: Engineering
Grade: STM
Salary: £52,031 per annum. During your training programme you'll receive 75% of the full salary before moving to the full rate once qualified.
Hours: 35 hours per week
Role type: On site
Keeping trains moving starts here.
People come to Northern for trains they can rely on. Behind every safe, clean and on-time journey is a team of skilled engineers making sure every train is ready to leave the depot.
As part of our Engineering team, you'll build two specialist skills in one role. You'll maintain our trains to the highest standards and, once qualified, drive them safely around the depot to keep maintenance running smoothly. It's a role with real variety, clear responsibility and a direct impact on millions of journeys across the North.
No previous train driving experience is needed. We'll teach you everything you need to know through a structured training programme that combines classroom learning with practical experience at your depot. If you're looking for a long-term engineering career with opportunities to develop, this could be your next stop.
What You'll Be Doing
Every shift brings a mix of practical engineering and operational responsibility. You'll:
- Carry out maintenance, servicing, inspections and fault finding to keep our trains safe, reliable and ready for service.
- Diagnose mechanical and electrical faults and work with colleagues to resolve them efficiently.
- Prepare trains for daily service through inspections, operational checks and planned maintenance activities.
- Drive and position trains safely around the depot to support maintenance activities and keep work flowing.
- Follow engineering standards, safe systems of work and depot procedures at all times.
- Help maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment.
- Work a shift pattern that includes nights, weekends and bank holidays.
About You
Engineering know-how, focus and the right attitude – that's what matters here.
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You'll bring:
- An NVQ Level 3 qualification in Engineering, together with hands-on experience of mechanical and electrical systems.
- Confidence diagnosing faults and solving technical problems in a fast-paced environment.
- A strong commitment to safety and the concentration needed for a safety-critical role.
- The flexibility to adapt as priorities change across the depot.
- Clear communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with others.
- Pride in doing a job well and delivering work to a consistently high standard.
- The commitment to complete our train driver training programme and maintain the standards required for a safety-critical role.
No Previous Train Driving Experience Is Required.
Your training will begin with around six weeks of classroom-based learning in Leeds or Manchester before moving into practical training at your home depot, where you'll continue developing your engineering and depot driving skills.
Before you apply
This is a safety-critical role and is subject to Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) regulations. To progress, you'll need to meet all of the following criteria:
- You live within a 45-minute car journey of the depot you'll work from.
- You're at least 18 years old when you apply.
- You can pass a safety-critical medical, including drugs and alcohol screening.
- You do not have defective colour vision.
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 dependants on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks across the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: Nine months of full pay for maternity leave and two weeks of full pay for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- 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 learning, recognised qualifications and career pathways across the business.
- Recognition: Our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards celebrate colleagues who go the extra mile every day.
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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 every day, we're on a mission to improve rail travel, deliver a great customer experience and protect 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 throughout the recruitment 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 you an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove unconscious bias and help make sure every application is treated fairly. Any offer of employment 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.
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