Apprenticeships
Our Apprenticeship Scheme offers you the chance to learn a trade, develop new skills and kick-start your career.
They are an opportunity to gain experience within our business while acquiring transferable skills. Apprenticeships vary in length from 1 – 6 years, dependent upon the apprenticeship.
We offer apprenticeships in several different business areas, for example Cyber Security, Facilities, HR, Finance, Business Administration together with Engineering (through our Technical apprenticeship scheme). All opportunities are advertised on our current vacancies page.
Starting your career as a Drax Apprentice
Our apprenticeship schemes have many success stories, with former apprentices promoted within the business and continuing to develop their career within the Drax group. Members of our Senior Leadership Team and Executive Committee started as apprentices.
As a Drax apprentice you will receive a considerable amount of support from your manager, mentor/buddy, and the Early Careers Team. They will work closely with your training provider to ensure that your apprenticeship equips you for your future career. In addition to specific experience and development relating to your apprenticeship, you will receive core skills development to prepare you for the world of work and your future career.
Drax works hard to recognise the achievements of its apprentices and holds annual apprenticeship awards to celebrate their success.
Overview of the Technical Apprenticeship Scheme
The Drax Technical Apprentice Scheme runs over four years. The programme focuses on three engineering disciplines:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical Control and Instrumentation Engineering
Successful candidates will train in one of the selected disciplines above, or a combined qualification agreed on appointment.
Qualifications and skills development
At the end of the programme our apprentices could achieve the following nationally recognised qualifications:
UK Apprentices
- BTEC – National Certificate in Engineering
- NVQ – EAL Level 3 Engineering Maintenance (Pathway EMA Mechanical) or
- NVQ – EAL Level 3 Engineering Maintenance (Pathway EMA Electrical) or
- NVQ – EAL Level 3 Engineering Maintenance (Pathway EMA Instrumentation)
- Management Operations Engineering Apprenticeship (Level 3)
Scottish Apprentices Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering (SCQF Level 6 or 7)
- NC – National Certificate in Engineering
- SVQ 2 – Performing Engineering Operations
- SVQ 3 – Engineering Maintenance
In addition, our apprentices can expect to develop a number of key skills such as planning and organisation, communication, team working and problem solving.
Technical apprenticeship scheme – four-year overview
Year 1 – 90% of the year is spent at their Engineering Training Academy.
Year 2 – 100% of the year is spent at Drax, focusing on the NVQ/SVQ qualification, and gaining practical experience
Year 3 – 100% of the year is spent at Drax, focusing on the NVQ/SVQ qualification, and gaining practical experience
Year 4 – 100% of the year is spent at Drax, during which time the apprentices will continue to develop their experience across the site and complete their NVQ/SVQ and in the case of English Apprentices their End Point Assessment.
Employment details
Drax directly employs all apprentices throughout the term of the apprenticeship to ensure a timely and positive learning and job experience.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be provided if required for travel purposes, during the apprenticeship.
Selection process
Qualification requirements
We look for apprentices who share our values and want to join in the success of a company with a great future. To be considered for a place on the scheme you must have (or be predicted to have):
English Qualifications – GCSEs at grade C/5 or above in Maths, English Language and Science and have two additional GCSEs at grade C/5 or above (or equivalent) in any other subject.
Scottish Qualifications – National 5 Qualifications in Maths, English and Physics.
You must also have good communication skills along with an ability to work as part of a team.
There is no age restriction or age limit for the Drax Apprenticeship Scheme.
If successful, you’ll be asked to provide evidence proving all the academic/vocational qualifications stated in your application form/CV, whether required for the role or not. Do not claim a qualification on your CV if you cannot do this. If you apply based on predicted grades you must achieve the required standard to confirm your appointment.
Application form
Applications for our Technical Apprenticeship Scheme open throughout the year, however vacancies are generally posted in December. All candidates apply via our recruitment system.
Prior to completing an application form, you’ll be asked a number of questions before being progressed to the form itself.
You are required to complete all sections of the application form (unless stated ‘optional’)
For applicants who have not yet completed their GCSEs/National Qualifications please provide predicted grades under the ‘Education’ section.
The application form may take up to one hour to complete, so please make sure you allocate sufficient time to complete it.
Aptitude tests
If you are shortlisted, you’ll be asked to complete a number of online aptitude tests which measure both technical and comprehension reasoning. Details of the tests will be sent to you via email.
Interview
If you are successful following the aptitude tests, you’ll be asked to attend an interview. Any specific interview requirements will be sent to you prior to the interview.
Final selection and start date
For successful candidates a provisional offer will be made subject to attaining the necessary qualifications. The scheme usually commences mid- to end-of August each year.
Email communication
Most communication during the application process will be made via email, therefore please ensure you enter your email address correctly and you have access to your email account during the application period.
Can I apply for the scheme again?
If you have previously applied for a place on the apprentice scheme and were unsuccessful then you can apply again. It is important to ensure you demonstrate how you have developed since you last applied, for example, any additional qualifications you have attained or work experience you have undertaken.
Additional information
For further information on applying for a vacancy at Drax please see our Careers FAQs. If you are unable to find the information you are looking for or are having difficulties with our recruitment system, please contact the recruitment team.
