Amey is celebrating a significant milestone with the graduation of the inaugural cohort of students from its groundbreaking Rail Engineering degree apprenticeship scheme. Launched in 2020 in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University, the programme has successfully equipped 30 aspiring rail engineers with both academic qualifications and crucial real-world experience.
This first-of-its-kind initiative offered a unique “earn-as-you-learn” pathway into the rail engineering sector, allowing students to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects while pursuing a university-level degree. After five years of dedicated study and practical application, the first group of apprentices have now graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree in Rail Engineering.
Crucially, the programme has also equipped these graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become registered Incorporated Engineers (I.Eng) with the prestigious Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
The apprenticeship scheme was specifically designed to offer an alternative route into rail engineering, addressing the skills shortage within the industry. Students had the opportunity to specialise in various disciplines, including civil and track (C&T), electrical and mechanical (E&M), and signalling and telecoms (S&T) engineering. This blended approach effectively bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical industry training.
Throughout the five-year programme, the apprentices gained invaluable hands-on experience working on major UK infrastructure projects such as the Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade and the Core Valley Line transformation – opportunities rarely afforded to those at such an early stage in their careers.
With a further 26 learners currently enrolled across two subsequent cohorts, the success of these first 30 graduates highlights the significant impact of degree apprenticeships in diversifying and strengthening the UK’s engineering workforce.
Since launching this pioneering rail engineering programme, Amey has expanded its commitment to apprenticeships by introducing similar Level 6 Civil Engineering degree programmes in areas such as Data Science, Environmental Practice, and Civil Engineering itself. This expansion underscores Amey’s pledge to the 5% Club, a campaign promoting apprenticeship opportunities, and its wider commitment to driving greater diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
Reflecting on the success of the programme, James Andrews, Head of Engineering, Amey, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see the graduation of our first cohort of students from our Rail Engineering Degree Apprenticeship scheme, which of course is a landmark achievement for Amey. These graduates represent the future of rail engineering, bringing not only academic excellence but also invaluable practical experience to the rail industry.
“This apprenticeship programme equips young professionals with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving industry and is testament to the dedication and hard work of both the students and the teams supporting them along the way.”
Alfie Box, Degree Apprentice, Amey, said: “Completing the Rail Engineering Degree Apprenticeship has been an incredible journey for me personally. The programme provided me with the perfect balance of theory and hands-on experience, allowing me to build my knowledge whilst also contributing to major infrastructure projects such as the Core Valley Line transformation project. I’m proud to be part of the first cohort to graduate from this scheme, and I’m excited to take what I’ve learned into my career, driving innovation and progress within the railway industry.”
Joe Hockney, Employer Partnerships Manager, Sheffield Hallam University, said: “At Sheffield Hallam we are extremely proud of our first cohort of BEng Rail apprentices. We look forward to seeing them at graduation alongside their families. Starting their apprenticeship journey in March 2020, they faced immediate challenges posed by national lockdowns, which limited their access to facilities and learning opportunities both at work and university.
“A high proportion have achieved either a First or a 2:1 in their degree. All apprentices have shown dedication to their profession and have produced high-impact project work. We also value the support provided by the Amey mentors, the course team and the Apprenticeship Coach.”
