Media centre

Wednesday 11 Feb 2026

From career changes and second chances to turning passion into progression: how Network Rail apprenticeships are transforming lives across Wales and Borders

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

This National Apprenticeship Week we're showcasing how the railway can open the door to rewarding, lifelong careers.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week (9 - 15 February), Network Rail Wales and Borders is shining a spotlight on colleagues who have built rewarding careers through apprenticeships, highlighting the wide-ranging opportunities available to people of all ages and backgrounds.  

Sam’s story 

Among them is Sam Wilmott, from Bridgend, who joined Network Rail’s Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme in 2013 after more than a decade working as a postman.  

After leaving school with no qualifications, Sam returned to education in his late twenties, gaining his GCSEs at night school before taking the leap into the railway.  

“That was the turning point,” Sam said. “Once I got those qualifications, all the doors opened for me.”  

Based in Port Talbot, Sam specialised in Electrification and Plant, gaining technical qualifications to support the safe running of the railway. Alongside his apprenticeship, Network Rail supported him to complete an Institute of Leadership and Management Level 5 qualification, helping shape his future career in management.  

Since then, Sam has gained a Business and Management degree, worked in the Wales Rail Operating Centre analysing real-time infrastructure data, supported major events such as the Six Nations in a business continuity role, and completed Network Rail’s Accelerated Leadership Programme with Warwick University.  

He now leads his own team as a Project Interface Manager in maintenance.  

“I always say Network Rail is the world’s best kept secret,” Sam said. “They look after their people, pay well and offer huge opportunities to progress. It’s incredibly rewarding knowing you’re helping the public every day.”  

Charles’ story 

Meanwhile in Pembrokeshire, Charles French’s journey into the railway began after failing his first set of A-level exams.

After re-doing his A-levels, Charles became unsure if full-time education was for him which was when he discovered Network Rail’s apprenticeship scheme during a late-night internet search - a leap of faith that would change his life.  

His apprenticeship, based in the maintenance team, included training at a residential centre in Coventry, alongside hands-on experience with track teams, signalling units and technical offices.  

“I knew nothing about the railway,” Charles said. “But coming in with an open mind helped. I asked questions and learned quickly.”  

After completing the three-year programme in 2020, Charles progressed from maintenance into inspection roles, before becoming a team leader and later stepping into a secondment as a Track Section Supervisor.  

Now back working in the West Wales community he grew up in, Charles is ambitious about continuing to progress.  

“It’s more than just a job - it’s a launchpad,” he said. “The skills you gain can take you anywhere.”  

Tamzin’s story 

Also showcasing the breadth of opportunity available through apprenticeships is Tamzin James, 25, from Pembrey in Carmarthenshire. 

After finishing college, Tamzin had planned to attend university. But as a keen trainspotter in her spare time, she was already fascinated by the railway. When she discovered Network Rail’s apprenticeship scheme on social media, she immediately decided it was the right path for her. 

Now in the first year of her Level 3 Railway Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, Tamzin is based at Whitland Depot, helping maintain what she describes as “one of the most beautiful patches” of railway in Wales. 

Her role combines classroom learning with hands-on experience, working day and night shifts to carry out routine maintenance, fix faults and support larger renewal projects. 

“The railway offers such a vast field to learn and develop in,” Tamzin said. “The balance of learning and time on the job has helped me develop skills that will last a lifetime.” 

Tamzin admits she was initially aware of the stigma sometimes associated with women entering engineering roles. 

“It’s often seen as a ‘manly’ job because it’s manual,” she explained. “But when I joined, I saw how diverse it was becoming, and my depot made me feel incredibly welcome.” 

Looking ahead, Tamzin hopes to progress to a Section Supervisor role and is particularly interested in operating and programming on-track machinery. 

“I will forever be grateful for the apprenticeship scheme,” she added. “It’s opened a door that leads to so many pathways.” 

Ryan’s story   

In Hereford, Ryan Green’s story highlights the long-term progression railway apprenticeships can offer.   

Before starting his career, Ryan spent two-and-a-half years travelling, knowing university wasn’t the right path for him.  

“I didn’t want years of studying without knowing where it would lead,” Ryan said. “When I discovered Network Rail’s apprenticeship, I became fascinated by the railway.”

After joining Network Rail Wales and Borders as an apprentice in 2019, Ryan completed a Level 3 Railway Engineering Technician Apprenticeship before securing a second apprenticeship – a Level 6 Rail Systems Engineering degree, which he is due to complete in 2027.  

His training combined classroom learning with hands-on experience before specialising in *permanent-way engineering, working directly on site to maintain the railway safely and efficiently.  

“The railway is incredibly complex,” Ryan explained. “You’re constantly balancing a historic network with modern innovation.”  

Alongside technical skills, Ryan has also developed as a leader, mentoring colleagues and helping build the next generation of railway workers. He hopes to continue progressing, with ambitions to work on major projects in the UK and internationally. 

Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders said: “Apprenticeships open doors to long-term careers on the railway - something I’ve experienced myself since starting as an apprentice with British Rail in 1990.  

“It’s fantastic to see colleagues like Sam, Charles, Tamzin and Ryan following a similar pathway, building successful futures by taking advantage of the many opportunities the railway offers.  

“Their stories show how apprenticeships at Network Rail Wales and Borders can transform lives, whether you’re starting out, changing direction or looking to progress further. We’re always looking for new talent and fresh perspectives to help shape the future of our railway, and by investing in people we’re not just building skills - we’re creating careers for life.” 

Together, Sam, Charles, Tamzin and Ryan’s stories highlight how Network Rail Wales and Borders apprenticeships offer more than just training - providing nationally recognised qualifications, real-world experience, and clear pathways for career development. 

You can read their full stories here. 

Apprenticeships at Network Rail are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, offering the chance to earn while learning and build skills for life. 

Applications are now open for Network Rail’s 2026 apprenticeship intake, with a wide range of roles available across the business. Find out more here.