All aboard the Apprenticeship Train

Great Western Railway (GWR) is proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week with the launch of the Apprenticeship Train, a unique initiative celebrating their hugely successful apprenticeship schemes.

GWR’s commitment to apprenticeships has seen them educate apprentices across 17 standards from Level 2 – 5, and their 10-year partnership with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) has formed a key part of this success. This special service was entirely crewed, driven, dispatched, and controlled by current and former apprentices, showcasing the wide range of career opportunities within the rail industry.

The Apprenticeship Train is project-managed by Aspire Management Apprentices and made stops at 10 stations along its route. The event highlights the contributions of over 260 apprentices across GWR’s 2000-mile network and aims to inspire the next generation of rail professionals.

Onboard, apprentices engaged with passengers, distributing flyers and goodie bags, and provided advice on apprenticeship opportunities in the rail sector.

Andrew Perry, GWR Learning and Development Manager, said: “Our second running of our apprentice train has once again been project-managed by apprentices.

Sophie and Tom have done an amazing job pulling together all the elements of today's train which celebrates our brilliant apprentices, our 10th Anniversary of our engagement in the Duke of Edinburgh programme, and our wonderful partnership with Exeter College.

I couldn’t be prouder of the teams that have made this day happen, which showcases all that’s great about apprenticeships. A massive thank you once again to Sophie and Tom.”

Exeter College is proud to partner with GWR for the delivery of their apprenticeships and welcomed the train to Exeter St Davids, its final stop of the day. Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy CBE joined the platform crew to celebrate this outstanding rail partnership.

John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive CBE, said: “Exeter College is delighted to partner with GWR in offering exceptional apprenticeships. Located in the heart of the GWR community, we are excited to welcome many of our current and former apprentices back to Exeter today to celebrate the world that is apprenticeships. Our partnership with GWR is a great example of what can be achieved when a college and fantastic employer work together to create something truly sector-leading.”

Upon arrival, passengers were encouraged to attend the Exeter College Apprenticeship Expo, now in its 11th year. As a flagship careers event in the Southwest during National Apprenticeship Week, GWR was amongst 50 employers exhibiting from a diverse range of sectors, aiming to inspire and inform young people about the exciting apprenticeship opportunities available in the region.

For further information on the Apprenticeship EXPO. For further information on Apprenticeships at Exeter College.

Event Details:

• When: Thursday, 13 February

• Departure: London Paddington at 10.55am

• Arrival: Exeter St Davids at 1.07pm

• Route: The train will stop at 10 stations along the way, with Exeter St Davids as the final stop.