Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) Looking For Engineering Apprentices

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the UK’s biggest rail operator, has officially launched recruitment for its 2026 apprentice engineer intake, giving young people the chance to earn a salary while training for a long term career in rail.

The four year programme blends classroom learning with hands-on experience across GTR’s network, including the Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express routes. Apprentices rotate between key depots in Battersea, Brighton, Hornsey and Selhurst, learning how to maintain, repair and fault-find on modern trains.

The scheme is open to applicants aged 16 and over, and you don’t need previous engineering experience to apply. GTR is looking for people who are curious about how things work, enjoy problem-solving and are ready to commit to a structured training programme. Candidates will need GCSEs at grade 4/C or higher in Maths, English and Science (or equivalent qualifications).

Apprentices earn a starting salary of £17,245, which rises each year of the programme before reaching £24,090 in the final year. Once qualified as a Level 1 engineer, salaries increase to around £37,824, giving apprentices a clear path into a well paid technical role at the end of their training.

Alongside the practical work, apprentices attend East Surrey College in Redhill and receive support from experienced engineers, mentors and managers throughout the scheme. GTR says it welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to building a diverse workforce.

Launching the recruitment drive for new young people, Karen Day, GTR’s Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant, said: “We’re excited to have launched our recruitment drive for our engineering apprenticeships and look forward to hearing from candidates who want to begin a fulfilling career with the UK’s largest rail operator.”

“The railway has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, so we’re also keen to encourage more women to consider a career in engineering, as it’s an exciting industry to get into and no day is the same. Our applications close on Wednesday, 31 December [2025], so don’t hesitate to apply,” added Ms Day.

GTR’s Engineering Apprentice Trainer Assessor, Cameron Wytiahlowsky, also commented, saying:

“Engineering is at the heart of everything we do at GTR because our colleagues keep our trains moving for the thousands of customers who rely on our services. As we continue to upgrade our fleet and infrastructure, we’re always looking for the next generation of engineers who are eager to start a career in the railway. This is a brilliant opportunity to learn the trade, where apprentices will gain a wealth of knowledge on different types of trains, faults and GTR depots, while earning a salary.”

“Those who train with us will receive free travel across the network, making it easier for apprentices of all backgrounds to get to college and other locations, so they can unlock their full potential. GTR offers extensive development opportunities and many of our apprentices gain permanent employment at GTR after finishing their apprenticeship. Several of our managers also started their careers with us through an apprenticeship.”

If you're interested in engineering, want to earn while you learn, and like the idea of keeping one of the country’s busiest rail networks moving, this apprenticeship is well worth a look.

Applications for the 2026 programme are open now, and candidates have until 31 December 2025 to apply through GTR’s online recruitment portal. Find out more on the GTR website here.