A Metroline Apprenticeship is not for those who want to totally avoid academic work, so we need you to have (or expect to get) at least GCSE Grade D or Standard Grade 3 in Maths and Science and at least one other subject (preferably something technical like Design and Technology). If you don't hold these, a pre-apprenticeship qualification such as an IMI Vehicle Maintenance and repair Level 1 will be accepted.

You also need to show us that you want a career in engineering - that you've thought things through and are pretty sure that engineering really is right for you. Teamwork is also very important for us, so we look to recruit people who work well with others.

A Metroline Apprenticeship usually lasts about 3 years, depending on individual progress. When you join us, you have the choice to enrol on the following:
- Advanced Modern Apprenticeship - A four year option which will qualify you with an NVQ level 3 qualification in engineering.
- Garage traineeship - A two year option which will qualify you with NVQ level 2 in engineering which will then give you the choice at the end to do the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship

There are 2 elements to an apprenticeship at Metroline:

1. On-The-Job-Training
This begins with basic engineering skills training in a workshop environment. This may be at a Metroline site, or it may be at a local college. You’ll learn a whole range of skills, such as milling, turning, fitting, drawing, welding, electronic installation and sheet metal work.
When you're considered competent, you'll start to put these skills into practice for real, working alongside experienced engineers on real components and engines. As you draw to the final stages of your apprenticeship, you’ll start to focus on the specific skills you’ll need for your first full time job.

2. National Vocational Qualifications
From your experience on the job and from college, you’ll be working towards a National Vocational Qualification. You should be able to achieve a Level 2 after your first year and at least a Level 3 by the end of your apprenticeship. NVQs are about demonstrating competence, and cover technical as well as personal skills (known as Key Skills).

Guidance and Support

A Training Officer will work with you throughout your training programme to help arrange your programme of attachments, monitor your progress, provide guidance and support and help you to achieve your full potential. You’ll often have a line manager as well who takes a close interest in your progress and will share their knowledge and experience of the company.

What Metroline can offer you

We offer a wide range of benefits as part of our reward package:
- Competitive rates of pay, with increases as you complete each stage of your apprenticeship
- Free bus and tube travel
- Life assurance
- Full training and development
- Free protective equipment and workwear
- Contributory pension scheme
- Free sports and social facilities
- Toolkit (depending on trade)
- 20 days, fully paid holidays
- An independent confidential counselling service is provided for all employees 24 hours a day to help resolve problems both personal and work-related

All in all, we think this is very reasonable.

On top of all of that, there are other advantages:

- An apprenticeship means you earn while you learn – no tuition fees or student loans, and you’re pretty much guaranteed a job at the end.
- There are opportunities to take part in activities that aren’t strictly speaking a part of the apprenticeship but which provide good challenges and help your personal development including taking part in team building away days.
- Our main sites are based in North West London with good transport connections.
- All our sites have access to good sports and social facilities.
- We celebrate success and have annual awards for our trainees

We must get something right, because many people stay with us for a fair part of their careers…

For more information

Mark Hayward or Martin Ashton, EngineeringTraining Supervisor, Metroline, Cricklewood Garage, 329 Edgware Road, Cricklewood NW2 6JP
Tel : 020 8218 8717 e-mail: mhayward@metroline.co.uk or mashton@metroline.co.uk