RAIL operator Northern is on the hunt for the next generation of skilled rail workers.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week, which ran in the first week of February, the rail operator launched its search for the next intake of apprentices, including 16 engineering technicians, to work in train planning and station operations.

Northern currently has 48 engineering apprentices, based in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle, who are working their way through a three-year programme designed to provide them with a nationally recognised qualification.

Ben Ackroyd, engineering director at Northern, said: “Our apprenticeship scheme is the perfect gateway for young people looking to start their career.

“Starting as rail engineering technician apprentices, those on the scheme have the opportunity to follow a range of different career paths.

“Once qualified, our former apprentices can work with Northern with the production teams, perhaps as a maintenance engineer or technical engineer, or can move to other areas of the business where their skills are valued.”