SOUTH Western Railway (SWR) is marking National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating the achievements of its many apprentices.
SWR’s apprenticeship scheme develops talent through specific training, providing young people with the skills and experience they need to thrive across the railway industry.
In 2022, the scheme was expanded and SWR became the only train operator to welcome applicants between the ages of 16 and 18, through its Young Talent Apprenticeship (YTA) programme.
It immediately proved to be popular as 70 applicants applied for just eight roles and, three years later, six of those initial YTAs are working in full-time, permanent positions.
Jack Speich is one of those six. Aged 17, he took on the role of customer information system controller at SWR’s rail operating centre in Basingstoke, a role he continues to this day.
“I joined the apprenticeship scheme from college and it gave me a first-hand insight into both the world of work and what it’s like to be in a customer-facing role. I’d never experienced either of those before and it really set me up to be successful.
“It was a real eye-opener when I first joined the customer information team because, as a customer, you don’t realise what is going on behind the scenes a lot of the time. I had to ask a lot of questions, of anyone and everyone I could, in order to answer customer queries through our station help points and send out messaging during disruption.”
It was a steep learning curve for Jack, who credits the support of colleagues across the business for his successful apprenticeship, which set him up for his permanent role.
“I think apprenticeships are worth it just for the people you see and meet. I received support from so many people in our control centre, at our stations, even on our trains. It really made me feel welcome and allowed me to get the most out of my apprenticeship, while helping me pass my college course.
“Having passed my apprenticeship, I found that working on the customer information desk put me at a big advantage for my permanent role, which I’m really enjoying. When we have an incident on the railway and need to give customers essential information, you really need to be on your toes!”
Last year, SWR received more than 600 applications for just 24 roles in its apprenticeship programmes, underlining its popularity.
Ethan Hurst joined the YTA scheme four months ago and is working in a customer service role at Southampton Central, one of the busiest stations on the SWR network.
“My role sees me working on the platform or at the ticket gateline at the station, where I work directly with our customers, or behind the scenes at the station control point, which links to our control centre in Basingstoke.
“Part of my role is to make people feel more comfortable both on our trains and at our stations. Some people might be travelling for the first time and it’s important to help them feel more confident when travelling by train.”
Tim Culver, South Western Railway’s Senior Learning & Development Manager, said:
“National Apprenticeship Week allows us to reflect on the amazing contribution that our apprentices are making in all kinds of roles, across our vast network.
“Jack is a great example of the progression that can be made through our Young Talent Apprenticeship scheme, and it’s great to see someone enjoy their apprenticeship so much that they want to carry on their role permanently.
“It’s also great to see that, in his short time with us, Ethan has been getting to know our business. It’s clear that he understands the vital role that we all play in providing the best customer service possible.
“Whether it’s young people looking for their very first experience of work, or those looking for something completely different, there’s so much opportunity through our Young Talent Apprenticeship and Leadership Talent Apprenticeship schemes.”
