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Thursday 6 Feb 2020

Your journey on the railway starts here - applications now open for Network Rail’s apprenticeship scheme

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Interested in a career on the railway? Network Rail is recruiting the next batch of future rail leaders through their highly regarded apprenticeship scheme. Applications are now open for a September 2020 start and will close when all places have been filled.

Network Rail apprentices receive three years of expert training, earn while they learn and develop skills that are important not just for their future careers, but for life.  When first entering the scheme, apprentices will stay at a dedicated training centre before spending the rest of the three-year programme at a Network Rail depot near their home and specialising in an area of interest such as overhead lines, signalling or track.

Network Rail is a company where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential within a culture that promotes diversity, inclusion and mutual respect. People aged 18 and over from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the apprenticeship scheme –there is no upper age limit.

Last year, Network Rail’s Western route (which runs from Paddington to Penzance) saw one of its highest ever apprentice intakes, with a total of 32 people joining the scheme during the spring, including a record number of women.

It’s a great time to join the railway, which is currently undergoing its biggest upgrade since it was built. With issues such as decarbonisation and sustainable travel high on Network Rail’s agenda and the national conversation, the apprenticeship scheme offers the chance to be part of a dynamic team that is making a real difference.

Second-year apprentice Morgan Powell said: “I am so pleased that I joined the scheme, I honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else. It is such a great job and you really can see how the work you do directly affects people.

“I have been placed in a fantastic team with the best support around me. No day is the same which keeps the job interesting and you are faced with new challenges each day – whether it is the environment you’re in, the track conditions, or working to deadlines.”

Morgan is part of the track maintenance team in Swindon and has definitely caught the railway bug, saying “I would love to be part of the technical team and go into management one day.”

The apprenticeship scheme can take you all the way to the top. Mark Langman, regional managing director for Network Rail’s Wales and Western, started his career as an apprentice straight out of school in 1986 and urges anyone with an interest in working in an exciting industry to consider applying to become a future apprentice.

He said: “The Network Rail apprenticeship scheme is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team where you make a difference every day, learning vital skills and making life-long friends. You’ll be taught by industry- leading experts and help to shape the railway of the future.

“I would encourage anyone with a passion and drive to make a difference to apply.”

Visit networkrail.co.uk/careers/apprenticeships/ for details about how to apply and start your railway journey today.