Up to 18 engineering apprenticeships are on offer.
The opportunity is part of a new recruitment drive from Northern, the UK’s second-largest train operator.
The three-year scheme combines classroom study with work, and leads to a nationally recognised Level 3 Engineering and Rolling Stock qualification.
Raj Basi, engineering director at Northern, said: "This is not work experience.
"This is an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and experience you need to work on the railway and keep services running for customers, day in day out."
Apprentices will spend their first year in classroom learning at Myerscough College in Preston, with accommodation provided.
They will then be based at either Northern’s Newton Heath TrainCare Centre in Manchester or sites in Liverpool, Newcastle, or Barrow.
Applicants must be aged 16 or over by September 1 this year, and hold at least five GCSEs at grades 5–9, including maths, English, science and two other subjects.
Mr Basi said: "We are looking to take on people who have a practical mindset and a genuine interest in engineering, so they can begin a rewarding and well-paid career in a safety-critical industry."
Northern says about 90 per cent of apprentices secure permanent roles with the company after completing the scheme.
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