Yorkshire apprentices begin three year track to success

Network Rail’s award winning advanced apprenticeship scheme has taken on 201 apprentices across Britain this month after receiving a staggering 4150 applications. The trainees have begun a three year programme to become skilled maintenance engineering technicians with 20 of them heading to work in Yorkshire.

The apprentices will spend a year training alongside the Royal Navy at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. Here they will learn both the technical skills required to work on the railway as well as attending leadership courses. They will continue their training for two further years on-the-job at depots across the country, returning to HMS Sultan for additional courses and learning. The apprentices specialise in track, signalling and telecoms, electrification and plant, property works and mechanical locking.

Steve Featherstone, director of infrastructure maintenance at Network Rail said: “Britain relies on rail so it is vital to invest in our people and our future with apprenticeships. We’re training the next generation of specialists with the latest technology to deliver this success in a modern, efficient way – it’s a career that brings great value to Britain. The scheme underlines Network Rail’s commitment to deliver a bigger, better-value railway with skilled and committed people.”

Alex Wise is a third year apprentice, based in York. He added: “Living and learning on the Navy base in the first year really helped me go out into the world by standing on my own feet. This support allows you the freedom to live and get on with 200 other apprentices around the same age. It was brilliant to meet all these new people and create friendships that will last for the rest of my life.

“To sum up you gain great experiences a great skill and brilliant friendships.”