South Western Railway (SWR) has achieved another major milestone, earning the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) Gold accreditation for its apprenticeships programme. This latest success completes a rare IIP Gold ‘hat‑trick’, following earlier Gold accreditations in both the People and Wellbeing categories announced in December.
The accolade positions SWR among an elite group of UK train operators recognised for exceptional commitment to colleague development and workplace culture.
In its final assessment report, IIP praised the strength of the organisation’s approach to nurturing early‑career talent, stating:
“SWR provides an environment where the amount of care provided to apprentices is exemplary. The apprenticeship team are really proactive and committed to providing the best experience for the range of apprentices. The organisation has successfully embedded a culture where apprentices feel valued, safe, and integrated from day one.”
Sharon Johnston, People and Transformation Director for SWR and Network Rail Wessex, highlighted the significance of the achievement:
“The accreditation recognises the journey that our apprenticeship programme has undertaken from being an ambitious goal to becoming a key part of the company’s talent development strategy and congratulations go to all those who have been a part of that journey.”
SWR continues to expand opportunities for early‑career rail professionals. As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the operator confirmed that 28 new apprentices will join the business in September—further strengthening its long‑term workforce pipeline.
With a growing emphasis on skills development, wellbeing, and people‑centred strategy, SWR’s trio of Gold accreditations reinforces its position as one of the UK rail industry’s leading employers.
Image credit: SWR
