Engineering Graduate 2024

With more than 5,000 employees, ScotRail plays a vital role in serving the people and communities of Scotland. We recognise a modern and diverse workforce, encouraged to use their talents, and develop their skills, is integral to our success in serving and reflecting the communities of Scotland. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and have also set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets including having a carbon-free railway in Scotland by 2035.

ScotRail is four times accredited as a Top Employer, has achieved Leaders in Diversity and is a Disability Confident Employer. We value, celebrate, and respect the diversity our people and aim to inspire, attract, retain, and develop the best talent. Because we value diversity and the benefits it brings, we want to continue improving the diversity of our people and particularly welcome applications from women, young people, LGBT+ people, people with a disability, and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

The opportunity

ScotRail's Graduate Scheme offers a unique opportunity for you to gain invaluable experience shaping the future of Scotland's rail network and directly impacting the lives of our passengers and communities. This two-year programme offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience across various aspects of engineering, from maintenance and new train development to technical support and project leadership. You'll gain exposure to a diverse range of engineering disciplines, an experience few companies can offer, and this could be the springboard for your application to chartership.

The scheme will include

• Experience of Engineering production in one of our maintenance depots, working in a fast-paced environment to ensure maintenance is completed and the trains which will transport our passengers are made safe and ready for passenger service. In this placement you will experience maintenance planning, fault diagnosis and continuous improvement/lean engineering principles. During the placement you will learn to make critical engineering decisions, working as part of the engineering production teams that work on our trains.
• A once in a generation opportunity to gain experience working with ScotRail’s New Trains project team, where you will be part of the development of the future of rolling stock which ScotRail is procuring. Learn about how trains are specified and manufactured in line with ScotRail’s decarbonisation strategy.
• Experience working with the Fleet Technical and Safety teams who provide technical support for the fleets. This includes the opportunity to apply mechanical and/or electrical engineering knowledge to problem solve practical, real-world problems. You will also lead a project through the different stages, including implementation into operation.

You will receive training to develop your experience both within ScotRail, but also through the Rail Engineering Graduate Scheme. You will complete placements around the railway; on our trains and at our stations and control, but also with our key stakeholders, to build a greater understanding of the pressures of working in a complex operational railway. The Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme also offers the opportunity to build a network of like-minded professional engineers within the industry.

ScotRail is also part of the community, and you will have the ability to contribute through volunteering and STEM activities.

The Graduate engineer will initially be expected to attend courses and training opportunities over a two-year structured development programme to provide them with a well-rounded background to railway and a practical engineering environment. As part of their development, the engineer is expected to secure a full-time position within ScotRail’s engineering team after two years in the graduate role.

The Graduate engineer is expected to maintain continued professional development logs and participate in industry events as part of their development toward professional Chartered engineer status.

The person

Essential

• Achieved SCQF level 9 (or expected) in a recognised Engineering discipline accredited by the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) or the IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers)
• Ability to apply your engineering knowledge in an intensely practical environment.
• Commence employment in the business full time in September 2024
• Strong drive for continuous self-development.
• Strong analytical and data analysis abilities.
• Computer literate and good working knowledge of Microsoft packages
• Willingness to travel

Desirable

• Any prior internships, coursework, or projects in a practical engineering environment
• Member of a professional engineering body

Benefits

We’ll ensure you’re rewarded for your contribution with a competitive package that includes:

• Contributory Final Salary Pension scheme
• Free and reduced rate rail travel for you and your family, where applicable.
• Generous holiday allowance
• Hapi benefits package, offered to everyone at ScotRail.

The selection process

Selection process: Assessment and Interview may form the initial stages of the selection process. The final stage for successful candidates will be a safety critical medical including drug & alcohol screening. Appointees must submit at least two satisfactory references, Disclosure Scotland clearance and complete a six-month probation period.