Who We Are
Key Information
Role: Commercial Apprentice - Eastern Region
Salary: £24,500 per annum (based on a 35-hour week) + £3270 London allowance + Benefits
Location: One Stratford Place, Stratford, London
Contract Type: Permanent opportunity for new entrants to Network Rail only
Start date: September 2026
Office Requirement: This role has an expectation of spending a minimum of three days per week in the office. You may also be required to work from other offices within Eastern Region, with occasional travel to additional sites as needed.
Entry Requirements:
GCSE (or equivalent)
You'll need GCSE (or equivalent) math's and English at Grade C, 4 or above.
UCAS points and college grades
112 UCAS points from A levels, AS levels or BTEC National qualifications.
Education Provider: Either University of Westminster or London South Bank University.
Selection Process: If selected for interview, the next stage of the process will be a request for you to attend our office in Stratford. You will be contacted after the closing date if you are selected and will be expected to give a short presentation on what you understand about Quantity Surveying and your knowledge of Network Rail.
Interview dates: Mid / Late July 2026.
You will be entitled to 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
Employees will be entitled to a discretionary 75% discount off leisure travel this includes off peak and super off-peak tickets. Employees will also be entitled to 75% discount on season tickets.
Network Rail Benefits - To find out about what benefits we offer, click here
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Exciting Commercial/Quantity Surveyor Apprentice Opportunity within Eastern Region of Network Rail
Are you someone who enjoys supporting others and tackling complex challenges? Do you have a passion for solving problems and finding solutions? If so, this could be the perfect role for you!
About the role
We're offering a fantastic Commercial Apprenticeship within the Eastern Region Commercial team.
As a Commercial Apprentice on the Eastern Region you'll support the commercial and procurement teams within the UK's largest rail infrastructure provider. You'll gain hands-on experience across pre- and post-contract management, helping ensure projects are delivered efficiently, transparently, and in line with Network Rail quality and value standards.¿
Through structured rotations, you'll develop a broad understanding of how commercial functions enable safe, sustainable, and cost-effective rail delivery.¿
What you'll do:
¿Assist in evaluating the commercial value of works, certifying payments, and ensuring compliance with contract requirements, ISO 9001 quality standards, and the Fair Payment Charter.¿
Support the management of contracts and supplier relationships, helping to maintain accuracy, transparency, and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.¿
Contribute to the preparation of commercial reporting across multiple projects, most notably Cost of Work Done reporting and Forecasting.¿
Help prepare contract specifications, tender documentation, and evaluation reports, gaining practical experience in public-sector procurement and commercial governance processes for Commercial and Procurement¿
Work alongside project management, engineering, finance and risk teams to ensure commercial objectives align with Network Rail goals for value, collaboration, and efficiency.¿
What we offer:
On-the-job experience: You will gain hands-on experience supporting the commercial function on varied projects, including budget management, financial reporting, contract administration, valuations and payments, drafting contractual correspondence, and assisting with risk management to optimise project margins while upholding ethical and professional standards.
Study support: Receive generous study support, with 20% of your working hours set aside specifically for off¿the¿job learning and study related to your apprenticeship. Network Rail cover all costs associated with your studies.
Mentorship: Benefit from ongoing mentorship to ensure your professional growth and success.
Career development: Gain the skills and attributes you need to become a confident and competent Commercial professional.
Permanent employment with Network Rail, competitive salary, and excellent benefits all whilst you complete a professional qualification!
If you're ready to kick-start your career in Commercial, develop your skills, and make a difference within Network Rail, apply now, and join us on this exciting journey!
What you'll get out of it:
Our investment gives you exposure to Commercial activities on programmes which will transform rail travel over the next 10 years.
On successful completion, you will achieve a Quantity Surveyor Level 6-degree apprenticeship, progressing through to RICS Chartership as part of your apprenticeship programme.
The opportunities it leads to:
At Network Rail, we are committed to providing the best in-house opportunities, offering employees at all levels excellent career progression. Many members of our Executive Team started their careers as apprentices in the rail industry, and we are proud to continue that legacy.
Upon completing your apprenticeship, you'll have the opportunity to apply for various Commercial roles within the organisation. As your career progresses, there are numerous opportunities for natural progression into Commercial managerial positions and beyond.
We are dedicated to supporting your career growth and offering the tools and opportunities needed to help you succeed in Commercial and beyond. Join us at Network Rail, where your career journey could lead to incredible opportunities for advancement and success.
Sound like you?
Apply now and help shape the future of rail - we're excited to meet you!¿
We strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to craft a cover letter as part of your application. Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you are passionate about joining Network Rail and what unique skills, experiences, or perspectives you can bring to the role. We are keen to understand what motivates you to succeed and how you believe you can contribute to our mission of delivering a safer, greener, and more reliable railway.
If you do not hold a valid Right to Work in the UK, unfortunately we will be unable to sponsor this role.
External how to apply:
We are an inclusive employer of choice, Disability Confident Leader! We encourage people to work flexibly and welcome applications from everyone Click here for more information.
Visit Evenbreak's Career Hive should you need accessibility support to apply. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact Mark.Holt@networkrail.co.uk.
Network Rail Benefits - To find out about what benefits we offer, click here
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information
***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****
Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do, safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should be able to demonstrate your personal commitment to safety and awareness in your application.
This vacancy is Band 8, salary: £24,500 per annum
Closing date: XX July 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. We retain the right to close the advert before the listed closing date based on application volumes.
Your experience and skills
The ideal candidate:
At Network Rail, we're looking for someone who's motivated to make a real impact, eager to learn, and ready to grow into a future leader.¿¿
You'll bring:¿
Great time management.¿
A problem-solving mindset.¿
Confidence with tech and communication.¿
A drive to learn and develop professionally. ¿
A professionally curious mind - always asking why, how, and who.¿
A collaborative spirit and team-first attitude.¿
Openness to fresh ideas and new ways of working.¿
Integrity and accountability in everything you do.¿
Your authentic, best self.