SOUTH Western Railway (SWR) is marking National Apprenticeship Week by announcing that 28 new apprentices will join the business in September.
Alongside Network Rail Wessex, SWR has a thriving apprenticeship programme to recruit and develop the next generation of railway colleagues and leaders, offering paid, hands-on experience and nationally recognised qualifications on one of Britain’s biggest and busiest railway networks.
Apprenticeships are open to all ages, from school leavers to anyone looking to change or develop their careers. SWR is the only train operator to welcome Young Talent Apprentices between the ages of 16 and 18, presenting a practical, rewarding and debt-free pathway.
In September, a new cohort of 28 apprentices, including 12 Young Talent Apprentices, will join SWR in functions including engineering, project management, customer services, readiness and resilience, human resources, IT, communications and more.
An apprenticeship opens the possibility of a longer-term position in the railway. With six months to go in their contract, half of SWR’s current apprentices have already secured permanent contracts within the business.
Keeley Quinn, Apprenticeship Compliance Manager at South Western Railway, commented:
“SWR and Network Rail Wessex operate apprenticeship programmes which provide fantastic opportunities for both young people starting their careers, and all colleagues looking for career changes or to step up to more senior roles.
“Our apprentices gain invaluable experience and skills, progress in their careers and take on meaningful responsibilities, all while they earn a competitive salary and have access to great benefits and personalised support plans.
“As we prepare for Great British Railways, the SWR and Network Rail Wessex apprenticeship programmes are recruiting and developing the next generation of railway colleagues and leaders.”
“It gave me a stepping stone,” explains Katie Pierce, a recent leadership apprentice who secured a position as a Guards Manager in Farnham. “Without the apprenticeship, I would not be in the role I am in now. I’m looking to start another apprenticeship soon because of how good the first one was!”
Apprentices cite the freedom to earn while they learn as a key appeal. During their placements, SWR offers personalised training and development plans, including shadowing and upskilling opportunities.
“It’s a paid, hands-on way to build a secure, well-respected career, while earning qualifications in an everchanging industry,” says Matt O’Shea, whose guards management apprenticeship sees him look after two dozen guards in Bournemouth.
“I can shadow any team that I'm interested in, I can take part in events that all train operators pour so much time and effort into, having the ability to speak my mind and have my opinions respected,” Southampton-based recruitment apprentice Ollie Jones adds.
“Once my apprenticeship ends, I hope to apply for a position within the recruitment team. Every day in the office is different, which makes me enjoy coming in. I have found that there is a lot of movement and progression.”
Ollie Jones (left) and Matt O'Shea (right)
Apprentices can also benefit from excellent perks, including free or discounted rail travel, retail and leisure discounts and dedicated wellbeing support.
“The benefits of free train travel with SWR and the 75% discount on all other operators has given me the opportunity to travel around the whole country with friends and family,” Matt notes.
Regarding his professional development as a future leader, he continues: “I have developed a deeper understanding of how the railway operates and the importance of everyone’s role, especially when there is a major incident.”
Many SWR colleagues began or have advanced their careers with apprenticeships.
Jamie Leighton, based at SWR's London office, is supporting the transition to Great British Railways as Head of Strategy and Governance. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree with his two-year L7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship, completed while continuing his day-to-day duties.
“I used to feel a bit disappointed that I hadn’t gone to university. Studying while working completely changed that for me,” he says. “I could earn a solid qualification without stepping away from my career and the course genuinely shifted how I think and how I approach almost every part of my current role.”
Georgia House is completing her six-year Level 6 Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship. During that time, starting out in Bournemouth, she has progressed from Sustainability Apprentice to Sustainability Manager and has been recognised as one of Edie’s 30 under 30 young sustainability leaders.
Like Jamie, she will be awarded a degree at the end of her apprenticeship, a BSc in Environmental Science, showing that young people don’t face a binary choice between paid experience and obtaining top qualifications.
Georgia House (left) at SWR's biodiversity and wellness garden in Clapham
