Apprenticeships with DB Cargo

There are a range of DB Cargo Apprenticeship roles with DB Cargo, the UK’s largest rail freight services provider.
DB Cargo UK is part of Deutsche Bahn AG, a worldwide mobility and logistics corporation. The company operates trains across the UK transporting everything from cereals to coal, barbecues to biomass, as well as petroleum to steel. It also manages freight services to and from mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel.
In addition, DB Cargo operates passenger charter trains throughout the UK. It can also provide traction and train crew for scheduled passenger operators.
DB Cargo offers customers a complete one-stop solution for rail freight transportation. The company provides a full range of logistics, supply chain and associated services, including door-to-door deliveries, warehousing and terminal-management. This means customers can choose a single supplier to transport freight from ports and terminals to destinations throughout the UK, on time and with minimal environmental impact.
DB Cargo also manages the UK’s largest locomotive and wagon fleet. This gives the company the resources and capacity required to move bulk products throughout the UK and into Europe quickly, efficiently and on time.
DB Cargo’s core services include:
- Trainload: to move bulk quantities of goods, allowing clients to book entire trains for exclusive use.
- Wagonloads: DB Cargo is the only operator of wagonload services in the UK, enabling customers to book as many wagons as they need on multi-user trains.
- Intermodal: Regular, efficient multi-user and trainload intermodal services transport containerised goods from ports and terminals UK-wide to the required destination on time.
- International: Frequent, reliable intermodal and trainload rail freight services via the Channel Tunnel, transporting goods door-to-door right across Europe.
- Terminal operations: Intermodal and logistics terminal-management expertise and advanced technology to provide value-added rail freight solutions.
In addition, DB Cargo also offer the following services:
- Anubis: The most advanced order-management system on the market, improving customer service and delivering the most efficient, reliable and traceable rail freight services.
- Passenger resource services: DB Cargo can provide drivers, locomotives, coaches and support teams for passenger rail services. The company also operate the Orient Express and the Royal Train.
- Rail industry services: DB Cargo offers a range of services to support infrastructure maintenance and renewals, rail projects and specialist services for Network Rail.
In addition to the DB Cargo Apprenticeship roles summarised here, the company also offers a range of Graduate Jobs with DB Cargo and Arriva Buses:
Roles Available with DB Cargo
The DB Cargo Apprenticeship programme offers a variety of roles across the business, including:
- Engineering Management:
- This DB Cargo Apprenticeship will eventually lead to a management position, as well as having responsibility for the engineering aspects of freight rail services.
- Engineering Apprentice:
- Engineering Apprentices are also trained to be future Engineering Team Members.
- Operational Management:
- An Operational Manager ensures freight trains run safely at the right time, with the right cargo and by competent people.
- Training and Development:
- As a Training and Development Apprentice, your role will be to provide an efficient and effective administrative service to the business.
Education Requirements for DB Cargo
The Education Requirements for a DB Cargo Apprenticeship can also vary according to the specific DB Cargo Apprenticeship role. For example:
- Engineering Management:
- 2 GCSE in English and Maths, as well as one of the following:
- NVQ Level 2 or NVQ Level 3 in an engineering field, or 2 A-levels grade A-C or equivalent, or an Apprenticeship in an engineering field, or 2+ years work experience in rail, engineering field or logistics.
- Engineering:
- 3 GCSEs in English, Maths and Science.
- Operational Management:
- Either 2 A levels Grade A-C, or an Apprenticeship in a rail, engineering or logistics field, or 2+ years work experience in rail, engineering field, logistics with GCSE English and Maths, A-C or equivalent.
- Training and Development:
- 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Maths.
When can I apply for an apprenticeship at DB Cargo?
The application dates for the DB Cargo Apprenticeship programme can also vary according to the specific DB Cargo Apprenticeship role, as follows:
- Engineering Management:
- Apprenticeships are offered every two years. The company advertises these roles in May, with a start date of November.
- Engineering:
- The company recruits Apprentices in conjunction with the relevant college. ‘Live’ vacancies are advertised simultaneously on the college website and on DB Cargo website. However, the college website manages the initial applications.
- Operational Management:
- Apprenticeships are also offered every two years. The company advertises these roles in May, with a start date of November.
- Training and Development:
- Please refer to the DB Cargo Apprenticeship website for details of when to apply for this vacancy.