This has come through and will be worth looking at if not going to uni:
“We’re investing £38bn into upgrading and improving the railway so there’s never been a better time to join us. Our apprentices earn while they learn, gain top quality qualifications and are part of a 35,000 strong team helping people safely take more than 1.5 billion journeys every year. If you’re interested in building a career where you can make a real difference – apply to be a Network Rail apprentice today.
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/news/2015/jan/Wanted-200-talented-apprentices/
Apprenticeships are open to anyone who is 17 by 31st August 2015. Find out more about an epic career journey on our Apprenticeship pages.