From Pembrokeshire to Bridgend, career-changing schemes open doors to lifelong railway careers
NETWORK RAIL is celebrating the life-changing impact of its apprenticeship schemes across Wales and the Borders as part of National Apprenticeship Week (February 9–15), highlighting how people from all walks of life are building long-term careers on the railway.
Network Rail Wales and Borders has been showcasing colleagues who have progressed through apprenticeships into skilled, stable and rewarding roles — proving that the railway industry offers opportunities far beyond traditional academic routes.
Pembrokeshire success story
Among those featured is Charles French, who now works in West Wales after beginning his railway journey in Pembrokeshire.
After failing his first set of A-levels and questioning whether full-time education was right for him, Charles discovered Network Rail’s apprenticeship scheme during a late-night internet search — a decision that would change his future.
His apprenticeship involved residential training in Coventry alongside hands-on experience with track teams, signalling units and technical offices.
“I knew nothing about the railway,” Charles said. “But coming in with an open mind helped. I asked questions and learned quickly.”
After completing the three-year programme in 2020, Charles progressed from maintenance into inspection roles, became a team leader, and later stepped into a secondment as a Track Section Supervisor.
Now back working in the West Wales community where he grew up, he is ambitious about continuing his career progression.
“It’s more than just a job — it’s a launchpad,” he said. “The skills you gain can take you anywhere.”
Pembrokeshire success story
In Bridgend, Sam Wilmott joined Network Rail’s Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme in 2013 after more than a decade working as a postman.
After leaving school with no qualifications, Sam returned to education in his late twenties, completing his GCSEs at night school before taking the leap into the railway industry.
“That was the turning point,” he said. “Once I got those qualifications, all the doors opened for me.”
Now a Project Interface Manager, Sam leads his own team after gaining multiple qualifications, completing Network Rail’s Accelerated Leadership Programme with Warwick University, and working in high-level operational and management roles.
“I always say Network Rail is the world’s best kept secret,” he said. “They look after their people, pay well and offer huge opportunities to progress. It’s incredibly rewarding knowing you’re helping the public every day.”
Pembrokeshire success story
Tamzin James, 25, from Pembrey in Carmarthenshire, is in her first year of a Level 3 Railway Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, based at Whitland Depot.
A keen trainspotter, Tamzin chose the apprenticeship route over university after discovering the scheme online.
“The railway offers such a vast field to learn and develop in,” she said. “The balance of learning and time on the job has helped me develop skills that will last a lifetime.”
She also highlighted the growing diversity within the industry.
“It’s often seen as a ‘manly’ job,” she said, “but when I joined, I saw how diverse it was becoming, and my depot made me feel incredibly welcome.”
Pembrokeshire success story
In Hereford, Ryan Green joined Network Rail in 2019 and is now completing a Level 6 Rail Systems Engineering degree alongside his professional role.
After travelling for several years and deciding university was not the right route, Ryan found the apprenticeship pathway offered both structure and long-term opportunity.
“The railway is incredibly complex,” he said. “You’re constantly balancing a historic network with modern innovation.”
Pembrokeshire success story
Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said apprenticeships were central to the future of the railway.
“Apprenticeships open doors to long-term careers on the railway — something I’ve experienced myself since starting as an apprentice with British Rail in 1990,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to see colleagues like Sam, Charles, Tamzin and Ryan building successful futures by taking advantage of the many opportunities the railway offers.
“We’re not just building skills — we’re creating careers for life.”
Applications are now open for Network Rail’s 2026 apprenticeship intake, with a wide range of roles available across Wales and the Borders. Apprenticeships are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, offering nationally recognised qualifications, real-world experience and clear pathways for career progression.
