We are proud to be One Team at East Midlands Railway (EMR). We are passionate about keeping people safe, delighting our customers, doing the right thing and putting customers at the heart of our sustainable railway for the East Midlands. Our 2,600+ people are the reason we succeed. It's why we've been accredited as a Top Employer ten times, hold Gold accreditation under the Inclusive Employers Standard, and work hard to make sure everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic self to work.

At EMR we want to proactively embrace diversity across our workforce, and we recognise that some groups are under-represented in our workforce. We're taking steps to build an inclusive culture and we welcome applications from everyone to help us better represent the communities we serve.

Join #TeamEMR as a Rail Foundation Apprentice

Our Rail Foundation Apprenticeship offers hands-on experience across the rail industry, helping you build the skills and confidence to progress into a career in rail.

This role and training are based in Derby, with travel and placements across our network.

Is this opportunity for me?

You don't need any railway experience. If you've got a positive attitude, a commitment to safety, a passion for great customer service and you're keen to learn, this could be the opportunity for you.

What will I be doing?

You'll rotate through a range of placements across the rail industry, seeing first-hand how different teams work together to keep the railway safe, reliable and moving.

Throughout the programme, we will equip you with the skills to:

• Put customers first – Deliver excellent customer service, supporting customers with a range of needs and creating a welcoming, inclusive experience.
• Make safety a priority – Follow safe working practices, use equipment correctly and apply safety-critical behaviours.
• Communicate with confidence – Engage clearly and professionally with customers and colleagues across different railway environments.
• Spot and report risks – Identify and report hazards, faults, security concerns and incidents using the correct procedures.
• Support railway operations – Assist with responses to disruption and emergencies under supervision, helping keep customers informed.
• Work together – Build strong relationships across different railway teams, contributing to shared team goals.
• Take ownership of your progress – Complete your apprenticeship coursework and assessments, with support from experienced colleagues.
• Be your best – Demonstrate resilience, adaptability and professionalism while upholding EMR's values and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Age requirements

You must be aged 17–21 at the start of the apprenticeship.

If you're aged 22–24, you must meet at least one of the following Foundation Apprenticeship eligibility criteria:

You cannot apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you are 25 or over.

What's in it for me?

As well as a competitive salary, we'll also offer you:

• 32 days annual leave (including bank holidays), rising to 34 days after 2 years of service
• Free travel on East Midlands Railway and other train companies operated by Transport UK
• 75% discount on other national rail train companies, including for partners and dependants
• Discounted friends and family tickets on the EMR network
• Various personal development and progression opportunities
• Excellent pension scheme

What is the recruitment process?

Here’s what to expect at each stage:

1. Apply online – Complete the application form and upload your CV.
2. Arctic Shores assessment – If your application is successful, you'll be invited to complete a short online assessment made up of game-based tasks. There are no right or wrong answers, and it takes around 15 minutes. Please ensure you complete the assessment by 4 November 2026.
3. Video interview – If successful, you’ll be invited to a video interview.
4. Assessment day and interview – If successful at the video interview stage, you'll be invited to attend an assessment centre, including an interview.
5. Pre-employment checks – Complete the required checks, including a non-safety-critical medical.
6. Offer – Receive a job offer, subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

How do I apply?

Complete the online application form and upload your CV. You'll be asked to tell us a little about yourself and why you'd like to join our Rail Foundation Apprenticeship. Use your answer to share what motivates you, the qualities you could bring to #TeamEMR and why you're excited to start a career in rail.

We operate a blind screening process. Please remove all personal information, including your name, from your CV.

Assessment centre dates

Our assessment centres will take place on 17 and 20 November 2026. You'll only need to attend one of these dates.

You'll learn more about the apprenticeship, meet some of the people you could be working with and showcase your skills and personality. Your interview will take place on the same day.

Have questions before applying?

Join one of our online information sessions to learn more about the apprenticeship, understand what to expect and ask questions before applying.

Both sessions will take place on Microsoft Teams. You only need to register for one.

Session 1: 27 October 2026, 12:30–13:30

Rail Foundation Apprenticeships - Session 1 – Fill out form

Session 2: 28 October 2026, 18:00-19:00

Rail Foundation Apprenticeships - Session 2 – Fill out form

Our commitment to fair recruitment

We promise to treat you fairly, consistently and with respect throughout the application, assessment and selection process.

Using AI in your application

We want to get to know the real you, so please write your answers yourself, based on your own knowledge and experience. Applications that appear to have been written by AI may not progress. Using spelling and grammar checkers, or assistive technology you rely on day to day, is absolutely fine.

Closing Date: 01 Nov 2026

Department: Customer Experience

Salary: Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage
£14,600 to £23,200, dependent on age

At East Midlands Railway (EMR), we’re proud to be One Team. We’re passionate about keeping people safe, delighting our customers, doing the right thing and putting customers at the heart of a sustainable railway for the East Midlands.

With more than 2,600 colleagues, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Our Customer Service teams play a vital role in delivering a safe, reliable and welcoming experience for our customers, and we’re looking for a dedicated and organised individual to join us.

Recognised ten times as a Top Employer and holding Gold accreditation against the Inclusive Employers Standard, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to bring their authentic self to work. 

This is a part-time position working 17.5hrs per week on a fixed term contract for 12 months 

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Business Support Officer to join our team at Nottingham station that sits within the Revenue Protection team. You will also be required to travel our network to support our management team where needed.

If you’re organised, proactive and enjoy helping people, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. You’ll play an important role in providing essential administrative and business support to our managers and colleagues.

As a key member of a small, busy team, you’ll help keep things running efficiently behind the scenes. From managing purchasing and coordinating administrative tasks to supporting colleagues with reporting and general business activities, your work will make a real difference.

You’ll also be an important point of contact for colleagues and suppliers, so a professional, approachable manner and a commitment to providing an excellent service are essential.

What you’ll be doing

Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining accurate records of purchasing transactions across the route.
• Sourcing goods and services from suppliers, obtaining quotations and comparing costs.
• Raising and processing purchase orders.
• Managing purchasing card transactions and online payments.
• Taking minutes, supporting KPI reporting and maintaining organised filing systems.
• Monitoring sickness records and supporting related administration.
• Arranging room bookings and coordinating meeting requirements.
• Managing uniform orders.
• Processing and maintaining timesheets.

You’ll need to be comfortable managing a varied workload, balancing competing priorities and maintaining accuracy across a range of administrative tasks.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys supporting others and can bring structure and organisation to a busy environment.

You’ll ideally have:

• Strong organisational skills, with a structured and methodical approach to your work.
• Proven office administration experience and the ability to manage a varied workload.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence dealing with people at all levels.
• Strong IT skills, including good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly when handling records and financial transactions.
• A proactive, flexible approach and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A professional and customer-focused attitude, with a commitment to delivering a helpful and reliable service.

Above all, you’ll be someone who takes ownership, looks for ways to help and understands the importance of working together to deliver the best possible service.

What’s in it for you?

At EMR, we know our people make the difference. That’s why, alongside a competitive salary, we offer a range of benefits, including:

• A defined benefit pension scheme.
• Free standard leisure travel on the EMR network and eligible train operating companies under TUK and LNER.
• Discounted tickets for friends and family on the EMR network.
• 75% discount on national leisure travel, including eligible partner and dependant travel.
• And many more benefits to support you both at work and beyond.

Ready to join our team?

If you’re looking for a role where your organisational skills, attention to detail and commitment to supporting others can make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, complete our online application and upload your CV.

Please note: EMR operates a blind screening process. To help ensure a fair and objective recruitment process, please remove all personal information, including your name, from your CV before submitting it.

One Team. One Railway. One Great Place to Work.

At EMR, we’re committed to embracing diversity and building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We recognise that women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds are under-represented in parts of our workforce, and we’re taking positive steps to create a more inclusive culture.

We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. We want everyone to feel they belong at EMR and have the opportunity to thrive.

Closing Date: 25 Oct 2026

Department: Customer Experience

Salary: £29,440.14 per annum
Free travel on EMR services and 75% discount on all other train operators