As National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9–15 February) approaches, publicly owned rail operators across the UK are significantly expanding apprenticeship opportunities—strengthening skills pipelines and supporting long‑term workforce resilience across the rail industry.
Public rail operators are demonstrating strong commitment to developing technical, operational and professional talent, creating accessible routes into the sector for people at all stages of their careers.
Northern: 90% of apprentices move into permanent roles
Northern continues to prioritise the development of mechanical and electrical engineering skills needed to maintain its modern fleet. Around 90% of apprentices who complete their programme secure a permanent role, reinforcing the operator’s focus on long-term career pathways.
Greater Anglia: 200+ active apprentices and widening access
Greater Anglia now employs over 200 active apprentices, spanning Level 2 to Level 7 programmes. These apprenticeships provide both entry-level opportunities and advanced professional development.
The operator’s commitment to inclusivity is clear: 24% of apprentices are women, while nearly 15% are from an ethnic minority background.
LNER: Growing its skilled operational workforce
Between 2024–25, 3% of LNER’s workforce started an apprenticeship, including 31 train managers, 38 drivers and 33 additional roles.
Recent completions include 37 train managers and 50 train drivers passing their End Point Assessments. Women now represent 36.6% of statutory apprenticeships, including train driver and engineering roles.
Southeastern: Recognised in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers
Southeastern—named in The Sunday Times ‘Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers’ list for 2025—has 465 active apprentices.
Over the last 12 months, 287 apprentices have completed programmes, with 21% female representation and 18% from ethnic minority backgrounds.
The operator also launched a new careers and skills hub in Ashford to support learning and development.
South Western Railway: New leadership and young talent apprenticeships
South Western Railway has 28 apprentices set to begin engineering, leadership and young‑talent roles in September—the first time SWR has introduced non‑engineering apprenticeships within its fleet division.
TransPennine Express: ‘express start’ attracts new talent
In October, TPE launched its new ‘express start’ apprenticeship, offering young people multi‑department experience before choosing a specialism.
This initiative aims to encourage candidates who might not previously have considered a rail career, with opportunities across customer service, sustainability, commercial, and revenue protection.
London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway: Leading in engineering excellence
Now under public ownership, LNR and WMR together employ 103 apprentices, and are the first UK operator to earn the Employer Kitemark Accreditation for excellence in engineering apprenticeships.
Rail Minister praises opportunities
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 at publicly owned operators, from roles for those wanting to start their careers, to people of any age keen to learn new skills and develop, in a fast-paced and exciting sector.”
“I encourage everyone looking for a new challenge to discover how they can use their unique skills and talents to help build the publicly owned railway we can all be proud of.”
Futureproofing the publicly owned railway
Growing apprenticeship numbers is critical to ensuring public operators maintain high service standards while building a skilled, diverse and adaptable workforce. Opportunities span:
- Train driving
- Onboard operations
- Ticketing
- Engineering
- Corporate roles including HR and finance
Applications for 16–18‑year‑olds meeting standard English and Maths GCSE requirements are expected to open soon, with programmes beginning in September.
Candidates can apply directly via each operator’s website.
Image credits: DFTO
