Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.
Kick‑start your engineering career with a global leader in rail maintenance and repair. At Sulzer’s Rail Service Centre of Excellence, we specialise in keeping Britain’s trains running by repairing and overhauling critical rail components like traction motors, generators and bogies.
Our Engineering Apprenticeship Programme gives you hands‑on experience with real rail equipment, guided by industry experts. If you’re curious about how things work, enjoy problem‑solving, and want a practical pathway into a long-term engineering career, this is your perfect next step
Key Responsibilities
Assist with dismantling, cleaning, inspecting and reassembling rail components such as traction motors and generators.
Support engineers with routine maintenance, fault‑finding and basic repair tasks.
Help with mechanical tasks including fitting, basic machining, grinding and preparing parts for overhaul.
Take part in electrical testing and inspection activities under supervision.
Assist in the refurbishment of bogie components and other mechanical assemblies.
Learn to use workshop tools, measuring equipment and engineering machinery safely and correctly.
Maintain accurate workshop records and follow quality‑control procedures.
Keep the workshop clean, organised and compliant with health & safety standards.
Shadow experienced technicians to build technical knowledge and practical engineering skills.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome applicants who are enthusiastic about engineering and ready to learn. You’ll be a great fit if you have:
3 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including Maths and English (or equivalent)
A genuine interest in engineering and technology
Motivation to learn and develop new skills
Good time‑management and organisational ability
A positive, flexible attitude and strong attention to detail
Prior engineering experience isn’t required—just curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to get involved.
What We Can Offer
Competitive apprentice pay that increases as you progress
Mentoring and support from experienced engineering professionals
A structured training and development programme
Opportunities to work with modern technology and innovative applications
Sponsored education with pathways to higher qualifications
Potential short placements at other UK sites
Opportunities to work with teams or customers internationally
Strong potential for a permanent role on successful completion
Long‑term development and progression routes within Sulzer
A UK-wide apprentice community of more than 80 peers
33 days’ holiday (including bank holidays)
Company pension scheme
What Will Your Time as an Apprentice Look Like?
Year 1 – Full‑Time College
You’ll spend your first year at college working towards a Level 2 or Level 3 engineering qualification. This gives you the foundation knowledge and core skills you’ll need before joining the team on-site.
Years 2, 3 & 4 – On‑Site Development
From your second year onwards, you’ll be based within our engineering teams. You’ll gain hands‑on experience, apply what you’ve learned, and continue your studies towards a Level 3 qualification and your final Apprenticeship Standard. Throughout this time you’ll receive regular mentoring, internal training, and opportunities to broaden your experience across different engineering tasks.
Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.
We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.
