Amey Consulting, in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, has launched a ground-breaking Railway Engineering degree apprenticeship scheme to help bring new talent into the industry. The fully funded five-year Railway Engineering B.Eng apprenticeship will enable 30 new students to learn and earn at the same time.

The scheme enables college leavers to gain a bespoke Railway Engineering degree from Sheffield Hallam University, choosing a pathway in either electrical and mechanical (E&M), civil and track (C&T) or signalling and telecoms (S&T) engineering. The unique programme also allows students to work at Amey Consulting on real life engineering problems on live railway projects in parallel with their studies.

The campaign was hugely successful with over 1000 applicants registering interest for opportunities in Bristol, Birmingham, Derby, Manchester, Swindon and York. The apprenticeships will start with Amey in March and will be supported and mentored throughout their studies to become a professional Engineer, alongside having the opportunity to thrive in a diverse and dynamic business.

James Andrews, Head of Engineering at Amey Consulting, said: “Amey Consulting has thoroughly enjoyed working with a leading applied learning university to develop this degree apprenticeship programme that will ensure a future stream of highly qualified and effective engineering talent into our business. 

“Future graduates from the scheme will not only possess the academic qualifications that come from studying at Sheffield Hallam University, but also practical, business focussed vocational skills obtained through real world experience, gained in our design offices and on site, helping Amey Consulting cement its reputation as one of the UK’s leading providers of professional engineering services. 

“Amey Consulting is committed to being part of a sustainable future for Britain’s railway industry and believe that providing alternative routes into the industry at all levels helps provide equal opportunities for all, resulting in a healthier, more diverse and productive workforce.”

Kim Holland, Business Development Manager, Sheffield Hallam University, comments: “It has been incredibly exciting to work with Amey Consulting on co-designing and developing this brand new apprenticeship course with Sheffield Hallam University. By having an employer like Amey Consulting actively involved in content development and delivery, it means we have been able to create a true partnership programme which provides Amey Consulting and the rail industry with the valuable skills, knowledge and behaviours needed from qualified rail engineers.

“We have worked hand-in-hand with Amey Consulting to ensure the programme meets the needs of the company, from selecting the best apprenticeship, recruiting the new apprentices and designing the programme. The knowledge and expertise from both partners will provide the new degree apprentices with unrivalled learning, which will put them in excellent stead for a successful, life-long career.”

Laura Brunton, Early Careers Business Partner for Amey, comments: “It has been a truly inspiring experience in building this programme from scratch.  We are hugely passionate in Amey about creating opportunities for people to learn and thrive within our business and have invested in training and technology for our managers and apprentices alike to increase awareness of and support for their mental and physical wellbeing.  We have a wonderful supporting network of mentors and buddies too who will ensure everyone will flourish in Amey.”   

On completion of the Degree Apprenticeship Programme, students will have obtained a Bachelors degree in Railway Engineering, as well as having gained sufficient experience and knowledge to register as an Incorporated Engineer (I.Eng) with the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).

This pilot scheme is an integral part of Amey’s commitment to drive innovation in employment practices, striving for greater inclusion within the workplace and its commitment to the 5% club pledge of hiring more apprentices.

Find our more about apprenticeship opportunities at Amey here: https://www.amey.co.uk/your-career/apprentices/