UK Rail Apprenticeships: Opportunities for Drivers, Engineers & Beyond

Introduction

TransPennine Express, c2c, LNER, Northern, South Western Railway, and Southeastern collectively provide hundreds of apprenticeships annually across the United Kingdom, encompassing roles such as driver, conductor, and engineer, in addition to various support functions.

Apprenticeship Programs

Rail industry apprenticeships offer several benefits. These include the opportunity to earn competitive salaries from the start, develop transferable workplace skills alongside role-specific ones, and gain entry into an industry with significant career progression prospects. Apprenticeships also provide opportunities to contribute to the community, particularly as the government’s public ownership program continues.

Age Requirement Changes

In May, the government announced plans to reduce the minimum age for train drivers in Great Britain from 20 to 18. This initiative aims to benefit both the rail sector and young people. The Department for Transport has requested that train operators and other industry bodies create a cross-industry plan to support this change, which is anticipated to be implemented in late 2025.

Benefits of Lowering the Age

Lowering the age requirement is designed to support economic growth by creating a sustainable pipeline of future train drivers, while also creating new career pathways and apprenticeship opportunities for school leavers, thus leading to full-time employment. Additionally, the move is intended to improve the industry’s ability to recruit young people and select from a broader applicant pool, bringing fresh talent and perspectives into the sector. It also aims to contribute to a more diverse, representative, and inclusive workforce, addressing the aging profile of train drivers.

Diversification and Support Roles

Train operators are also working to broaden awareness of career opportunities beyond operational roles, focusing on attracting individuals interested in support services such as IT, environment, and commercial roles. Publicly owned train operators are actively working to diversify their workforce, establish new apprenticeship hubs, and recruit apprentices at various bases. Several operators have received accreditations for their investment in apprenticeships.

Conclusion

The rail industry offers career progression opportunities, with apprenticeships serving as a key entry point. A variety of roles are available, from train driving to specialized support functions.

Company Summary

TransPennine Express: A train operating company in the United Kingdom.

c2c: A train operating company in the United Kingdom.

LNER: A train operating company in the United Kingdom.

Northern: A train operating company in the United Kingdom.

South Western Railway: A train operating company in the United Kingdom.

Southeastern: A train operating company in the United Kingdom.