Degree Apprentice With The Transportation Team

I'm James Wilkinson, a Degree Apprentice with the Transportation team in Signalling at AtkinsRéalis. My learning combines formal university study with practical work experience. I design and maintain the systems that manage train movements safely and efficiently.

What has been the best part of your apprenticeship?

The variety of experiences I attained, from learning my craft within the design office to being able to go on track and lead surveys or test the systems I've created.

What is the best thing about working #InsideAtkinsRéalis?

The plethora of experience and opportunity.

What's your best piece of advice for those considering an apprenticeship?

If they want to help provide services and have a brilliant career, then this is the perfect place.

How have you grown since being at AtkinsRéalis?

I have been provided with the relevant training and opportunities to do what I enjoy – variety in my work and being outdoors. I'm now at a point where I lead teams on surveys and assist with testing to further my skillset and completeness as an engineer.

What are some of the opportunities you've had as an AtkinsRéalis apprentice?

I put my hand up to work all over the UK in large cities such as London, Liverpool, and Leeds, as well as smaller towns in Kent and Buxton with potential opportunities overseas in the future. These projects have allowed me to travel and meet new people who have furthered my network and become important in my development. When working on these projects, I have a variety of deliverables pushing me out of my comfort zone.

Are you passionate about transportation, engineering, or just looking for an adventure filled with learning and growth?

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About the Author

AtkinsRéalis Early Careers Team

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Do you want to join a team that asks questions and dares to see things differently? A team that is engineering a better future for our planet and its people? We are AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. When you join us, you’ll be helping to create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers we can change the world. Here, you’ll find endless opportunities to take your career in the direction that you want. You’ll join a diverse, inclusive, supportive environment, and be surrounded by inspiring colleagues.   Our global team of 36,000+ employees speak over 70 languages and represent 130 nationalities across six continents. Our work covers a variety of sectors, including transportation, infrastructure, environment, water, energy, defence, technology and aerospace. With AtkinsRéalis, you’ll be in great company. Our Apprenticeships As a paid, full-time and permanent member of our team, we’ll support you from day one to help you reach your full potential, and you’ll also have the time you need to focus on our studies. Supported by line managers, senior leaders, the Learning & Development team, mentors and the apprentice community, you’re given the trust and flexibility to drive your own development. We’re excited to offer over 160 apprenticeship opportunities nationwide including: Advanced Apprentices (Level 3) Higher Apprentices (Level 4-5) Degree Apprentices (Level 6). We recruit in regions across the UK including, Yorkshire and the Humber, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Northwest, the North East, the Midlands, London and the South East, Cumbria, Wales and the South West. We offer a wide variety of Apprenticeships including: Architectural Assistant Building Surveying Building Services Design Engineer Business Management Digital and Technology Digital User Experience Embedded electronic systems design and development Environmental Practitioner Engineering including: Civil, Electrical, Electro-Mechanical, Design and Manufacture Geotechnical Information Manager Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer  and Nuclear Technician Product Design & Development Engineer Project Controls Project Management Quantity Surveying Rail Engineering Technician Town Planning Different makes a Difference Join us in UK & Europe and you join over 9,000 people from a multitude of different cultures and backgrounds. Our goal is to make sure that every single person feels included, valued, and has equal opportunity. We aim to provide a supportive environment and be sensitive to individual needs and ambitions. We integrate the essence of belonging and the power of difference into all of our working practices and projects, and these principles are central to our culture. You won’t just experience these values inside the business. You’ll also inspire the world around you – through more inclusive, accessible and sustainable design. With AtkinsRéalis, you'll be in great company. Our Apprentice roles are now closed, they will open again for applications in Autumn 2026.

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