West Midlands Railway on the hunt for budding engineers 

West Midlands Railway (WMR) is inviting applications for its next intake of engineering apprentices.

The train operator wants four candidates to join its respected four-year salaried apprenticeship scheme, which starts in September 2026. 

Trainees will combine classroom learning with hands-on experience at WMR’s main depot in Tyseley, gaining expertise in maintaining mechanical and electrical systems across the modern rail network. 

These lifelong skills form part of WMR’s ongoing drive to develop the next generation of railway professionals, with dozens of apprentices and graduates recruited annually.

The recruitment follows a £70 million redevelopment of the Tyseley site, which was officially reopened by the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker,last October.

John Doughty, WMR’s engineering director, said: “I left school at 16 and started my career as a railway apprentice. 

“I knew I was interested in the railway, and I wanted to gain work experience while learning new skills, so the scheme suited me perfectly and set me up for a lifelong career which I still love decades on. 

“I’d encourage anyone who enjoys practical work and learning new skills to consider applying as it could set you up with a job for life.”

Earn while you learn

Archie McDonald, a first-year apprentice at WMR, said: “I would really recommend taking the apprenticeship route with WMR. 

“You get paid to learn, are given a clear path into the railway industry and get to work with supportive people who want you to succeed. It’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Applications close on March 11. More details and the application form are available on the WMR website. The operator made this announcement as part of National Apprenticeship Week, last week.