National Apprenticeship Week 2026 highlights growing opportunities for young people and career changers across Britain’s rail network
PUBLICLY owned rail operators across the UK are strengthening the future of the railway workforce through sustained investment in apprenticeships, as the industry marks National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9–15 February).
Operators under public ownership are leading efforts to expand training, widen access to careers and build the skilled workforce needed to maintain and modernise Britain’s rail network.
At Northern, around 90 per cent of apprentices who complete their training are offered permanent positions, with a strong focus on developing the mechanical and electrical engineering skills required to maintain and operate its fleet of trains.
Greater Anglia currently employs more than 200 active apprentices, with programmes ranging from Level 2 to Level 7. These routes offer both entry-level access into rail careers and higher professional development opportunities. Of the current cohort, 24 per cent are women and nearly 15 per cent are from ethnic minority backgrounds, reflecting a commitment to widening access across the industry.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) reported that between 2024 and 2025, three per cent of its workforce started an apprenticeship. This included 31 train managers, 38 drivers and 33 staff in other roles. In the same period, 37 train managers and 50 train drivers passed their End Point Assessments. Around 36.6 per cent of those undertaking statutory apprenticeships, including driver, engineering and technical roles, are women.
At Southeastern, which was named in The Sunday Times ‘Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers’ list for 2025, 465 people are currently engaged in apprenticeships. Of the 287 apprenticeships completed in the past 12 months, 21 per cent of learners were female and 18 per cent came from ethnic minority backgrounds. The operator also opened a new careers and skills hub for apprentices in Ashford last year.
South Western Railway has confirmed that 28 new apprentices are due to begin engineering, leadership and young talent roles in September. This will be the first year that young talent and leadership apprenticeships are introduced in non-engineering roles across the fleet division.
In October, TransPennine Express launched a new scheme known as Express Start, giving young people the opportunity to gain experience across multiple departments before choosing a specialist career path. The initiative allows participants to explore roles in areas such as revenue protection, commercial services, customer service and sustainability.
London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway, the most recent operators to move into public ownership, currently employ a combined total of 103 apprentices. They are also the first UK train operator to receive Employer Kitemark Accreditation for their engineering apprenticeship scheme.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy welcomed the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities across publicly owned operators.
He 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.”
Industry leaders say increasing apprenticeship numbers is a vital part of futureproofing the workforce, ensuring publicly owned operators can continue to deliver high-quality services for passengers while driving long-term improvements in performance.
Apprenticeships now offer routes into a wide range of careers, including train driving, onboard operations, ticketing, engineering and technical roles, as well as corporate functions such as HR and finance.
Applications are due to open shortly for candidates aged 16 to 18 who meet standard GCSE requirements in English and Maths, to begin three-year apprenticeships with publicly owned operators from September.
Further information and application details are available via the individual operators’ websites.
