A Midlands tram operator is recruiting an entire fifth maintenance team for the first time in its history as ambitious expansion plans drive unprecedented growth.
West Midlands Metro is embarking on a major recruitment campaign, to form a brand new maintenance team as the network transforms from a simple A-to-B line into a comprehensive transport network spanning the West Midlands.
The Midlands -based tram operator is recruiting five new positions – a team leader and four maintenance technicians – marking the first time in the company’s history that it will operate five maintenance teams simultaneously.
Matthew Knight, Metro’s Rolling Stock Manager said: “This expansion marks one of the most significant periods of positive change our department has ever seen. It’s rare to have the opportunity to recruit five new team members at once. Typically, recruitment only happens due to attrition. This is a real opportunity to shape the future of the team and bring in fresh talent at a transformative time.”
The recruitment drive comes as Metro prepares for significant network expansion, with plans to extend services to include Dudley, Birmingham Eastside, Brierley Hill, Sports Quarter and the HS2 interchange. The growth will effectively double the daily operational requirements for the fleet.
Currently, Metro operates 42 trams but only requires 16 on a daily basis to support the existing timetable. However, as extensions come online, the requirement for in service trams will increase substantially, driving up maintenance demands.
“We’re moving from a simple A-to-B network to a more connected A-to-B-to-C-to-D network, that’s the direction of our growth,” Matthew said.
The company is particularly keen to recruit externally for the team leader position, seeking someone who can mould a brand-new team whilst bringing leadership and organisational experience from previous roles.
Matthew emphasised that the positions are open to candidates from diverse engineering backgrounds, not just rail. “Strong transferable skills mean more than experience,” he said. “I’m looking for a team who are eager to learn and have that strong aptitude for engineering.”
Potential candidates could include HVAC technicians, electrical engineers, motor specialists or even ex-service personnel with relevant engineering experience.
The new roles involve working on state-of-the-art vehicles equipped with lithium-ion battery systems and 750-volt DC electrical systems.
Metro is offering a competitive salary when compared to the HGV and plant sectors with significantly lower competency requirements and operating in a less regulated environment. These advantages make the roles particularly appealing to skilled engineers considering a sector change.
This recruitment initiative reflects significant investment from the West Midlands Combined Authority, highlighting a broader commitment to enhancing the region’s transport infrastructure.
“Being given the green light to recruit an entire new team is an opportunity you very rarely see,” Matthew said. “That’s why I’m so excited about this campaign – it shows the team that we’re serious about investing in them.”
This expansion represents a significant milestone for Metro’s Rolling Stock department, which has historically operated with four teams. The addition will create the largest maintenance workforce the department has ever employed.
Metro’s approach to this recruitment drive breaks from traditional methods, moving beyond standard job postings to create what Matthew describes as “a bit of fanfare” around the opportunity.
For engineering professionals seeking a career change or new challenges, the positions offer exposure to cutting-edge technology in a rapidly expanding transport network that’s helping to shape the future of West Midlands connectivity.
