Engineering Apprenticeship

The feeling of rejection can be tough to handle, but Elias Pablo, 20, used his initial setback as an opportunity to upskill so that he was well prepared when it came to applying for an engineering apprenticeship for the second time around at Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR). The rail operator is now recruiting for its 2025 engineering apprenticeship programme.

“I’ve always been interested in building and fixing things, so when I was 17 I applied for GTR’s engineering apprenticeship because I wanted to kickstart my career as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I wasn’t accepted onto the apprenticeship, so I went away and researched courses to improve my knowledge and enrolled on a two-year electrical engineering programme in London.”

With more experience under his belt, Elias broke into the world of engineering in 2023, following a second application. Elias is hoping to qualify as a Level 1 service engineer in 2026.

“I was over the moon when I was accepted for the engineering apprenticeship, as all my hard work had finally paid off. The course has been brilliant so far, I spent my first year at college learning the relevant theory and I’m putting that to use with my placement at Selhurst depot. During my apprenticeship, I’ll get the chance to gain more hands-on experience at different depots across the GTR network, which will increase my confidence and competency.

“I’d highly recommend this apprenticeship because you can come in with little experience and, providing you’re eager to learn new skills, you can build an exciting career as an engineer. I’m trying to encourage some of my friends to apply for this programme, because no day is the same and it’s a great stepping stone if you’re looking to progress in the industry.”