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Thursday 12 Feb 2026

Network Rail apprentices rise to Army challenge

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Eastern

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Apprentices from Network Rail took part in a team-building event in York organised by the military as part of National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February).

The Army’s Headquarters North and the 4th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment (4RYORKS) hosted the Ultimate Apprentice Military Challenge at Worsley Barracks supported by the Yorkshire and Humber Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network (YHAAN).

Network Rail apprentices were among nearly 50 participants, with the event designed to inspire, challenge and test them while fostering teamwork, building confidence – and having fun. Attendees fully immersed themselves in the experience – donning military uniforms, applying camouflage cream and sampling Army rations.

The event was part of National Apprenticeship Week, a national celebration to highlight the significant career opportunities available through the apprenticeship pathway. In the past year, Network Rail has welcomed 290 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.

Chloe Draper, 21, a Network Rail project management apprentice, said:

“I’m working in an assistant role, where I support project teams with planning, coordination, and day-to-day delivery. I’ve also been given the opportunity to lead the close-out of a project, which is a challenge I really enjoyed. I’ve thrived in my apprenticeship so far and feel very supported by the company, which has helped me grow in confidence and confirm that project management is the right career path for me.

“I had the opportunity to attend the team-building day with the Army, which was both fun and insightful. The experience challenged me to work closely with others, step outside my comfort zone and develop skills in teamwork and resilience that I can take forward into my role.”

Isobel Byrne, Network Rail apprentice project manager, added:

“The military training event was an extremely valuable and rewarding experience.

“It provided an opportunity to challenge yourself, gain new perspectives and discover strengths you may not have realised you had. The day involved a range of team-based challenges designed to develop communication, leadership and problem-solving skills, and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone interested in teamwork, personal development.”

Through its wide range of apprenticeship schemes, Network Rail offers hands-on experience and long-term career development across engineering, business, IT, and finance. Apprentices earn while they learn, gaining the skills needed to support the safe and reliable operation of the railway and help connect communities across Britain.

Richard Turner, Network Rail’s head of apprenticeships, said:

“Apprentices play a vital role in keeping Britain’s railway running safely and reliably, and we’re proud to welcome nearly 300 new joiners this year across engineering, business, IT and finance.

“Our programmes give people hands-on experience, the chance to earn while they learn, and the skills to build long-term careers. They also help us develop the next generation of STEM talent and create a diverse, future-ready workforce for the railway.”

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.

•  Network Rail apprentices will be at Leeds station tomorrow (Friday 13 February) to chat about their experiences and advise people on the wide range of career opportunities available across the railway.