Britain’s railway to recruit 2,000 apprentices in its 200th anniversary year
- More diverse talent sought to plug skills gap and shape tomorrow’s railway
- 10,000+ apprenticeships targeted over next five years
To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (10-16 February), Britain’s railway announced today that it plans to recruit 2,000 apprentices during its bicentenary this year, and at least 10,000 over the next five years.
A wide variety of one to four-year apprenticeships are available, for people from all backgrounds and ages – whether entering the workplace for the first time or looking to retrain in a career move. Roles are being offered by employers across the UK and the rail industry, including Network Rail, train and freight operators, manufacturers and the rail supply chain.
Roles available range from engineering to finance, train driving to sustainability, and IT to human resources, customer service and operations.
Rail’s support for National Apprenticeship Week coincides with the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, which is being celebrated as part of Railway 200 – a year-long programme aimed at helping to attract the next generation of pioneering talent.
The recruitment and training drive will help to deliver a more digitally driven, sustainable railway and champion the next generation of colleagues in rail, helping to develop vital new skills within the industry.
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with study and are open to both young people and adult learners.
The railway seeks to be more representative of the society it serves and is striving to attract more women, people from ethnic minorities and those with neurodiversity.
Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity for people to start their careers in a variety of roles in rail. The rail industry plays a vital role in connecting communities and supporting the economy, and we need a diverse range of skills and perspectives to create the workforce of the future.
“As we celebrate the railway’s rich heritage, we’re looking to the future, investing in our people to help us deliver the high-quality, innovative service that passengers expect.”
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “From personal experience I know how rewarding a career in the rail industry is. It is brilliant to see so many opportunities available, from roles for those wanting to start their careers to people keen to learn new skills and develop, in a fast-paced and exciting sector.
"The railways have a long history of innovation and Railway 200 represents the perfect opportunity to look to the future and inspire the next generation. I encourage everyone looking for a new challenge to discover how they can use their unique skills and talents to help build the railways of the future.”
Neil Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR), said, “These are good apprenticeships, mostly in skills shortage disciplines, that are recognised all around the world. We are looking for committed people from a wide range of backgrounds to fill them.”
Those who wish to explore opportunities within rail can find out more about the apprenticeships that are available across the industry via the Routes into Rail website. Roles are also advertised on the Network Rail website and by individual train operating companies.
200 years of the modern railway
Railway 200 has brought the industry together to champion rail careers for the future. From this summer, a touring exhibition train named ‘Inspiration’ will criss-cross Britain for 12 months promoting career opportunities and shining a spotlight on some of the hidden roles in the rail industry.
Contact Information
Asmaa Bahassan
Notes to editors
Case studies & contact info
Samuel Cooley, a Young Talent Rail Apprentice at South Western Railway, and Holly Hardy Johnson, a former Apprentice and current Learning and Development Trainer & Assessor, are both available for interview.
Samuel Cooley is a Young Talent Rail Apprentice at South Western Railway.
He started his apprenticeship less than six months ago.
“Working with the team of station colleagues is hugely rewarding. By engaging with customers in and around the station, I have a chance to be see first-hand how important customer service is. I’m also directly helping to bring people together - whether they’re travelling to see loved ones, explore somewhere new, or heading to work. This apprenticeship has been an ideal way for me to learn by experience.”
Holly Hardy Johnson is a Learning and Development Trainer & Assessor at Avanti West Coast.
Holly joined Avanti West Coast three years ago and completed a Level 5 Operation Management Leadership Apprenticeship. She is now a Chartered Manager and delivers orientation and training.
“I spent 20 years as a Penguin and Bird Zookeeper, then a College Lecturer at a college with a zoo before joining the rail industry. I’ve always had a passion for lifelong learning and joining the railway appealed to me as a major career move – despite feeling scary. I was able to transfer the knowledge and experience I gained as a Lecturer teaching young people and adults to training the new staff joining the railway. Now, I specialise in Sustainability, Inclusion, First Aid and Safeguarding.
“My focus on delivering quality and project management, means I have had the opportunity to work with organisations across the industry, such as the British Transport Police, The Railway Children, White Ribbon, Rail Delivery Group, Great British Railway Transition Team and Network Rail. We strive to give the best training to our people, which in turn means we can help our customers and the planet.”
For more information, please contact rdg@headlandconsultancy.com
About Railway 200
2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, a journey that changed the world forever. Under the banner of Railway 200, nationwide celebrations are planned throughout the year, showcasing how the railway shaped Britain and the world and how its pioneering pedigree continues today and is shaping tomorrow. Railway 200 encourages everyone to join in this once-in-a-generation opportunity, whether that’s by displaying the Railway 200 logo, organising events and activities, running competitions, or sharing rail stories. For information and how to get involved visit www.railway200.co.uk