Media centre

Tuesday 18 Jan 2011

LONDONERS TARGET RAIL APPRENTICE PLACES

Region & Route:

| Southern

Interest in Network Rail’s apprentice scheme has rocketed with twice as many people pre-registering for the award winning scheme as last year. Almost 8,000 applicants will compete for around 200 places on the scheme’s 2011 intake. More than 50 apprentices will be based in and around London at depots like Clapham Junction, Croydon, West Hampstead and Finsbury Park.

As well as soaring interest there has also been a massive shift in the age profile of apprentices taken on by Network Rail in recent years. In 2007 the majority (64%) of new apprentices were aged 17-18. Last year this had almost halved (35%) and 43% of apprentices were aged 19-21. Apprentices aged over 22 have increased five-fold since 2007, comprising over a fifth of the intake in 2010 (22%), with the oldest apprentice aged 35.

Currently funding support for apprentices aged 16-18 is twice that provided for apprentices aged 19 and over, meaning that the cost of running a scheme rises should more older apprentices be taken on. As its scheme opens for applications, Network Rail is calling for a national debate on the subject, arguing that equal funding support would help British businesses drive recovery, create more apprenticeships and make sure that the best people are taken on regardless of their age.

Acting chief executive Peter Henderson said: "The huge numbers we're attracting each year shows young people recognise an apprenticeship can offer a path to a challenging and rewarding career. For us it has proven great value in investing in our people.

"With such competition for places, it is vital that if business is to lead this country to economic recovery, the right support is needed. A more flexible approach offering equal support for all apprentices, whatever their age, would help businesses large and small create the apprenticeships and the skilled workforce Britain needs to thrive."

Mohameed Rahman, 19, is a signalling and telecomms apprentice based at Paddington. He said: “Before Network Rail I worked for the Metropolitan Police, but I soon realised that the role wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. Following some research I came across the Network Rail apprenticeship scheme advertised in a national newspaper. The article was filled with lots of information about what to expect from the scheme and the different jobs options available. After reading the article I immediately applied.

“I’m so glad I chose to join Network Rail because of everything I have learned and all the new friends I’ve made along the way. I enjoy what I do and I haven’t looked back since.”

Nick Manning, 23, is a signalling apprentice based at Woking. He said: “After leaving school I had no idea what I wanted to do. I worked for various companies to earn a wage while I worked out my future, but none of the positions gaev me what I wanted for a future career.

“Seeing Network Rail mentioned in the media gave me the idea to search for railway apprenticeships. Being part of a team responsible for maintaining the railway and getting the public from A to B really appealed to me. Now I’m in that position, I feel a great sense of purpose and pride to be a part of a company helping people get to their destinations every day.”

Lettie Todd, 20 is a property works apprentice based at London Bridge. She said: “After leaving school, I attended college for a short while and later secured a trainee position in telecoms, which involved day release at college and on-the-job training. Earning whilst I learnt really appealed to me and it was this that led me to apply for the Network Rail scheme. The nature of the scheme coupled with the fantastic training available, the chance to make new friends and a way of earning whilst I learnt was exactly what I was looking for.”

• In 2010, 65% of Network Rail’s apprentice intake were aged 19 or over
• In 2007, the age of its oldest apprentice was 25. Last year it was 35.
• The number of apprentices aged 17-18 that it has taken on has reduced by 29% since 2007.
• Women still only make up around 5% of the intake – low but nearly twice the national average for engineering apprenticeships

	% of apprentices aged 17-18 (actual numbers in brackets)	19-21	22-24	25 and older
2007	64% (132)	32% (65)	3% (6)	1% (2)
2010	35% (71)	43% (89)	16% (32)	6% (13)