Network Rail’s state-of-the-art training centre in Doncaster is already transforming the way apprentices gain the skills needed to maintain, upgrade and future-proof Britain’s rail network.
Over the past year, Network Rail has welcomed 290 new apprentices across its national programmes—part of a wider long-term commitment to workforce development that has seen 1,780 apprentices recruited in the last five years.
Last weekend (Sunday 8 February) marked 100 days since the organisation publicly unveiled the name of the centre – the Gresley Institute – following a nationwide vote. Formerly an older facility, it has now been completely rebuilt into a modern hub for rail operations training, education and development.
The first apprenticeship cohort moved their studies to the Gresley Institute in October, with final assessments taking place this week during National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February).
The facility now features 21 classrooms over two floors, equipped with industry-leading training tools including both traditional lever-based signalling simulators and modern digital signalling systems with visual display units. Once fully operational, the centre will have capacity to train up to 1,000 rail colleagues every year.
Apprentices are already experiencing the benefits.
Apprentice Peter Turner, 29, from Newcastle, said:
“I knew the railway was a great industry to come into for career progression, and I've really enjoyed myself since I've started in the business. I’ve enjoyed going out on different placements, like with the mobile operations managers or sitting with the control centre, but I think I've definitely enjoyed the signal train the most so far. For anyone considering this apprenticeship, I’d say look it up, go for it – it might be the best decision you'll ever make.”
Fellow apprentice Lewis Adey, 30, from County Durham, added:
“I was looking for something new, like a new challenge in my career and this looked like a good opportunity to get into. Being here at the Doncaster Training Centre, with the group and seeing the progression we’re making, that’s been the best part of it. Having a set facility like this means you see the day-to-day rail activity but you have a separation for your studying. You haven't got all the distractions that you would in some other buildings.”
Network Rail’s apprenticeship schemes provide routes into engineering, business, IT and finance, combining structured learning with hands-on experience. Apprentices earn while they learn—supporting the safe and reliable operation of Britain’s railway while building long-term career opportunities.
Richard Turner, Network Rail’s head of apprenticeships, highlighted their importance:
“Apprentices play a vital role in keeping Britain’s railway running safely and reliably, and we’re proud to welcome nearly 300 new joiners this year across engineering, business, IT and finance.
“Our programmes give people hands-on experience, the chance to earn while they learn, and the skills to build long-term careers. They also help us develop the next generation of STEM* talent and create a diverse, future-ready workforce for the railway.”
As one of the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, Network Rail continues to invest in developing talent across the sector—ensuring Britain’s railway is supported by a skilled and future-ready workforce.
Image credit: Network Rail
