Job description
Apprenticeship Level 3 - Rail - Bristol/Birmingham
Job Details
- Locations:Birmingham, Bristol
- Job Type:Apprenticeships
- Closing Date:14 March 2026
- Ref:6075
Interested In This Role?
See it differently
You see the world through a unique lens and that’s exactly what we need. We embrace how you see things differently – it’s essential for creating a sustainable future.
Arup is a global consultancy with advisory and technical expertise across more than 150 disciplines. We guide, plan and design the future of the built environment. Globally, each year we recruit hundreds of graduates to help us see things differently and solve the most complex challenges facing our clients, climate and communities.
Our Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships
Our apprenticeships allow you to study for industry-recognised qualifications whilst earning a competitive salary. As an apprentice, you will study with a training provider, such as a college, and combine this experience with real responsibilities in the workplace. Your study pattern could be day or block release, or via distance learning, depending on the course that you enrol on. A dedicated mentor will guide you through your personal and professional development. Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships have a typical duration of two to three years, during which you will attain both a professional and academic qualification to further your career. Our apprentices are employed on a permanent basis, so you'll continue to progress with Arup once you've completed your course.
The Opportunity
Have you ever looked up at a striking new building and wondered how it was built? Or how about a bridge, or a road, or a railway?
Do you find that you have a natural aptitude and passion for STEM subjects but have wondered how you could use these in a practical way in a later career?
Do you have interests in using digital technology and want to put those skills into practice in your career?
Do you want to continue to study towards a further qualification whilst gaining valuable experience ‘on the job'?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then starting a career as an Engineering Design Apprentice may well be for you. Engineers and Technicians at Arup are fundamental in the process of turning a vision for a construction project from a concept, to a design (3D computer models and technical drawings), to a construction site, to a finished article. We are looking for the next generation of talented people to help us 'shape a better world'.
Collaboration between many types of Engineering disciplines are needed to bring these projects to life – Civil, Rail, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Bridges and Water to name but a few. At Arup we employ a huge variety of skilled engineering professionals to work alongside Architects, Project Managers and Contractors to deliver the end goal of our Clients.
At Arup we pride ourselves on providing a vibrant, open and diverse culture which allows our apprentices to thrive. In helping to develop innovative solutions to complicated problems, the type of work you will get involved in could vary greatly; from technical drawing and 3D computer modelling (CAD), to calculations, to presenting designs to collaborators…and much more.
The projects you may be involved in could include; roads, airports, ports, sports stadia, schools, hospitals, and bridges to list a few but this vacancy will begin your career in railways, helping to design rail track, stations, depots and other associated infrastructure.
From day one, you will be part of a friendly and supportive team, delivering projects to improve the infrastructure used every day – whether it is for transport, energy or water schemes. The work will be varied, both technically and in terms of project size and location.
As an apprentice you will study towards a Level 3 qualification in Civil Engineering with one of our local partner colleges and work towards your Professional Qualification and on acceptance into the Institute of Civil Engineers receive the letters EngTech MICE.
The Role in brief:
- Railway Engineering design role
- CAD – 3D modelling
- CAD - Technical drawing
- Digital – Automation, programming
- Office based role using computers for design work, calculations, planning and presenting
- Day release for academic study
- Opportunities to visit site, be involved in design reviews etc.
- Working alongside an experienced Technician
- Document management
- Opportunities to work in a variety of disciplines/projects
- Potential progression to L6 Apprenticeship
Your attributes in brief:
- Honesty & integrity
- Team player
- Self motivated & takes initiative
- Enthusiasm for learning and development
- Curious
- Eye for detail
- Strong maths
- Tech savvy
- Problem solver
- Organised & reliable
- Good communicator
- Creative
- Engaged with the world around you
If you think this opportunity could be for you, we look forward to hearing from you!
Is this role right for you?
We're looking for apprentices who are curious and ready to evolve how they think and work.
Academic requirements:
- Minimum of 5 GCSE (or equivalent) qualifications including Maths and English at grades A-C / 9-4
Changemakers: A passion for sustainable development and creating a better world is key.
Innovative minds: We're looking for critical thinkers who embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo.
Growth seekers: You have a growth mindset, always eager to learn and explore new ways of working.
Adaptable adventurers: You're ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.
You should be able to start this opportunity in September 2026.
Advert closing date: 14th March 2026
Please note, in the event of high applicant volume, this role may be closed ahead of the advertised closing date. Early application is recommended.
Location Preferences
While the role you applied for is based in the location specified in the job advert, we may have other opportunities that align with your profile. To help us assess this, please let us know which Arup office locations you would be interested in working in on your application form.
Duplicate applications
Please note, candidates are permitted to submit only one application per recruitment cycle. We recommend reviewing all available opportunities and selecting the role and location(s) that best align with your skills and interests before applying.
Please note we are unable to offer Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you must ensure that you and have resided in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of programme and are eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship opportunity without our sponsorship in order for your application to be considered.
What we offer you
Beyond a great salary and stimulating, technically challenging work, Arup offers a range of additional benefits to its people.
As a membership organisation, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme. Our members also have access to a range of broader wellbeing benefits. You’ll have access to lots of learning and development opportunities. This includes a structured induction and ongoing training through Arup university.
Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to utilise your technical expertise to do meaningful work that strengthens the resilience of communities and places to improve lives through Arup's community engagement programme.
Next steps
Please click on the role that most interests you to find out further information and to apply. We then ask that you complete the application form, attaching any required documents. We will be reviewing applications for this position on a rolling basis. You are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in advance of the application deadline.
Different people, shared values
At Arup, we encourage individuality to thrive by respecting, sharing and connecting our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas so we can grow together.
At Arup we are an equal opportunity employer, and we accept people for who they are – we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds regardless of age, gender identity and expression, marital status, disability, neurodiversity and mental health, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. Your difference belongs here. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.
Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture – from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender, LGBTQ+ and disability – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference - Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup.
At Arup, we are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to all candidates. Please contact UKEarlyCareersRecruitment@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application and we will do everything we possibly can to support you. As a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer in the UK, we will strive for one third of all our assessment places to be allocated to candidates who have disclosed they are disability confident and best meet the requirements of the role. Please refer to these requirements per each role advertised.
We appreciate that everyone’s circumstances are different and it’s not always easy to commit to standard working hours. Work Unbound is our innovative hybrid approach to working and gives all our members greater flexibility in deciding how and where they work.
