Network Rail has announced the creation of 20 new apprenticeship roles.

The positions on the company's Star Track scheme will commence in September and last for two years. Vacancies are available in Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Swindon and York. 

Students will be able to work towards a foundation degree in railway engineering as part of the initiative, which is conducted in collaboration with a number of design consultancies, the Permanent Way Institution and Sheffield Hallam University. The course is said to offer a combination of on-the-job training and classroom-based learning.

Hilary Johnston, leader of recruitment for Star Track, said: "By 2020 our railway will see a further 400 million journeys each year. This is why we've worked with the industry and educators to develop the track design engineers for the future."

Those interested in taking part in the scheme can apply online until March 28th. Network Rail stated although participation does not guarantee a permanent job role the end of the course, students would still be in an excellent position to seek employment within the company, or at other design consultancies.