Amey celebrates the graduation of the first cohort of students from its pioneering Rail Engineering degree apprenticeship scheme, marking a major milestone in the company’s commitment to developing the next generation of highly skilled engineers.
Launched in 2020, as a first-of-its-kind engineering degree programme in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University, the course offered aspiring rail engineers a unique opportunity to gain both academic qualifications and real-world technical experience while working on nationally significant infrastructure projects.
Now, after five years of hard work, the first group of 30 students have successfully completed the course leaving with both a University-level degree qualification in Rail Engineering, and the required skills to become registered Incorporated Engineers (I.Eng) with the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
The apprenticeship scheme was created as an alternative career pathway into rail engineering and gives students the opportunity to specialise in several disciplines including civil and track (C&T), electrical and mechanical (E&M) and signalling and telecoms (S&T) engineering. This unique earn-as-you-learn approach bridges the gap between academia and industry training, reinforcing Amey’s dedication to tackling the skills shortage within the sector.
Throughout the programme, students had the opportunity to work on some of the UK’s major infrastructure projects including the Trans-Pennine Route and Core Valley Line upgrades, experiences rarely accessible at this stage in a their careers.
With 26 learners currently enrolled across two cohorts for the rail engineering programme, the success of the first set of graduates underscores the impact of degree apprenticeships in diversifying and strengthening the UK’s engineering workforce.
Since its launch five years ago, Amey has since launched a number of similar level six Civil Engineering degree programmes including ones in Data Science, Environmental Practitioner, and Civil Engineering further highlighting its commitment to expanding apprenticeship opportunities across the company. This also reinforces its pledge to the 5% Club and 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.”