Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited was formed in 1994 as part of the privatisation of British Rail. British Rail was divided up into its constituent parts: three rolling stock leasing companies including Porterbrook, 25 train operating companies, and Network Rail responsible for track and signalling. Soon after this, Porterbrook was sold to a team of its managers and employees. In April 2000, Porterbrook was acquired by Abbey National, a leading UK bank.

Based in Derby, in the UK, Porterbrook specialises in the leasing of all types of railway rolling stock and associated equipment. It has a rolling stock fleet of over 5,000 vehicles: this includes passenger vehicles, freight locomotives and wagons. As well as rolling stock, Porterbrook leases related equipment such as ticket barriers and ticket vending machines to train operators, provides train maintenance services, offers advisory services, and invests in UK rail infrastructure.

Engineers have a key role within the company, working closely with both those who operate the trains (our customers), and our suppliers. This covers all aspects of contract management as well as a wide range of technical areas for new vehicle purchase and maintenance and modifications of existing stock.

Porterbrook is a commercially-focused organisation whose approach is based on genuine co-operation between all parties. New equipment is built, delivered and leased to each customer’s specific requirements. It works closely with train manufacturers and suppliers of related rail equipment, allowing it to achieve competitive prices through the bulk purchase of production capacity, resulting in competitive lease prices. It also has strong links with maintenance and refurbishment specialists.

Porterbrook’s parent company Abbey is a leading participant in UK finance leasing and project finance. Its support gives Porterbrook the benefit of the financial strength and the funding expertise of a major bank. This leaves Porterbrook ideally placed to expand its services to customers.

Porterbrook has an IMechE accredited monitored professional development scheme (MPDS) which all entrants would join. This gives them a wide range of training and experience both within Porterbrook and at other railway companies, leading to responsible positions and Chartered status.

(Porterbrook is not offering any placements this year)

Your degree course must be accredited by either the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE).

First interviews will be held in February, with a second interview session set planned for mid-March in Derby (travel expenses will be paid).