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Tuesday 17 Feb 2026

Milton Keynes duo celebrate apprenticeship success on the railway

Region & Route:

North West & Central

A pair of apprentices based close to Milton Keynes have celebrated success after making the decision to work on the railway. 

Following National Apprenticeship Week 2026, Network Rail is highlighting apprentices across the country who are developing the skills needed to maintain, improve and future-proof Britain’s railway. 

Bailey Mark, who works as a technician team leader from Bletchley, Milton Keynes, joined Network Rail in October 2021. His role includes monitoring and maintaining track to ensure passenger journeys run as smoothly and reliably as possible. 

Bailey said: “There is never a dull day working at Network Rail. I chose this apprenticeship scheme as it opens endless doors and prospects which have helped me expand my career knowledge. 

“It’s always a proud moment when you finish a job and know it went well.” 

Reece Lendrum is based just over the county border in Northampton where he is completing an apprenticeship in signalling and track. 

Reece said: “I started my apprenticeship in 2024, and now I support our team with the installation, testing and maintenance of signalling across the rail network. 

“I chose the Network Rail apprenticeship scheme because it offers the opportunity to gain real, hands-on experience while working towards a recognised engineering qualification. I was particularly interested in signalling and track because of its critical role in railway safety and reliability." 

Apprentices play a vital role in maintaining and modernising the railway. In the past year, Network Rail has welcomed just under 300 new joiners into its apprenticeship programmes. This forms part of the organisation’s wider commitment to developing skilled talent, with 1,780 apprentices recruited during the last five years.  

As one of the UK’s top 100 apprenticeship employers, Network Rail continues to develop talented apprentices across the railway. Take the first step towards an exciting career in rail at networkrail.co.uk/apprenticeships.