South Western Railway needs you! SWR recruiting for four Island based engineering apprenticeships

Tuesday 05th March 2019
  • Following on from the success of its apprenticeship scheme, South Western Railway (SWR) is offering over 110 apprenticeships across the network in 2019.
  • The average age of an SWR apprentice is 36 and the oldest (so far) is 58, proving age is no barrier.
  • SWR is the first train operating company in the UK to adopt the Rail Operations Apprenticeship Standard.
  • Following the success of its apprenticeship scheme last year, South Western Railway is offering over 110 apprenticeships across the network in 2019.

SWR is looking to fill eight external vacancies with the right candidates, including four engineering operations apprenticeships (based on the Island Line in the Isle of Wight), two rolling stock technician apprenticeships (based in Bournemouth or Salisbury) and two Health & Safety trainees (based at Wimbledon, Salisbury or Bournemouth depots).

SWR is believed to be the only train operating company to offer engineering operations and Health & Safety apprenticeships in 2019. It’s also the first in the UK to adopt the Rail Operations Apprenticeship Standard. This puts a significant emphasis on developing leadership skills to help apprentices become future leaders.

The apprenticeships also offer the opportunity to gain a range of nationally recognised qualifications including Masters degrees and Chartered Management Institute Diplomas.

The apprenticeships are not just aimed at college leavers - the average age of SWR’s apprentices is 36 and the oldest (so far) is 58.

Luke Waller, a level 5 management apprentice, said:
“I have always enjoyed learning new information and skills. I finished University over 10 years ago, but this apprenticeship is very intense, but enjoyable. I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested.”

Sean Monro, a level 3 apprentice added:
“By enrolling on this apprenticeship, I have learnt so much about myself, and I am also gaining a lot of knowledge about leading a team. I am excited about this journey and know I will learn so much more and get loads of experience in the workplace.”

Rob Hulson, SWR’s Engineering and Graduate Manager added:
“SWR’s engineering apprenticeship programme is a fantastic opportunity for people to gain nationally recognised qualifications and to learn new skills that will lead to well-paid and secure jobs. In September, four of our third year apprentices will start studying for degrees. Last year we recruited four engineering apprentices, including two women and this year we are offering eight engineering based apprenticeships.”

Applications for SWR’s external apprenticeship programme are opening shortly and close on 31 April. Further details of the apprenticeship scheme will be published on the First Group careers website.