Great Western Railway’s ‘Apprentice Train’ helps celebrate hat-trick of milestones

Great Western Railway today celebrated a hat-trick of milestones as it operated a service crewed by current and former apprentices.

The ‘Apprentice Train’ formed the 1035 service from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids on Thursday (February 13) and featured GWR colleagues performing a variety of roles.

It formed part of celebrations for National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-16), marked 10 years of GWR’s special partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) and also paid a nod to Railway 200 as the industry reflects on the past 200 years and looks forward to an exciting future.

GWR Customer Services Director, Rachel Geliamassi, said:

“The ‘Apprentice Train’ is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the diverse range of jobs available in the rail industry and shine a light on some of the incredible people we have working as part of our railway family.

“Its timing couldn’t be any more perfect as we’ve just opened vacancies for our apprenticeship programmes starting in August. If you’re interested in a career with GWR we’d urge you to visit our apprenticeships page online. And hurry – the vacancies are only open for one month!”

Shining the light on apprenticeships: Sophie Carter, left, and Rachel Geliamassi

Today’s ‘Apprentice Train’ was masterminded by Sophie Carter, 21, from Plymouth, an Aspire Driver Manager Apprentice and Gold DofE Award holder. She said:

“We’re helping to shine a light on the wide range of opportunities available for anyone considering a career in the railway. There are 11 current or former apprentices involved in today’s service and all of us can vouch for what an exciting industry it is to work in.”

Apprentices were on board the train handing out flyers and GWR goodies, as well as answering questions from passengers and those considering a career in the railway.

They were joined by DofE Youth Ambassadors – young DofE Award holders and participants who advocate for young people and help steer the charity’s work –  as the service called at 10 stations, symbolising the 10-year partnership between the DofE charity and GWR.

DofE Business was developed to bring the benefits of achieving a DofE Award to the workplace. Since 2015, more than 80 GWR apprentices have successfully completed  a Gold DofE Award through the DofE Business programme. A further 82 are currently participating, with another group of nine starting in March.

Alex McDowell, Director of Fundraising, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said:

“We’re delighted to celebrate 10 years in partnership with GWR. As a committed supporter, GWR recognises the value of doing a DofE programme. Their support has enabled thousands of marginalised young people to access the DofE and improve their skills, wellbeing and community ties.

“Over the last decade, more than 80 GWR apprentices have achieved their Gold Award through DofE Business, and it’s amazing to see the impact Award holders – many of whom are staffing today’s train – have had in the organisation.

“GWR’s young workforce has gone above and beyond in their DofE journeys – volunteering in their communities, fostering their network and developing essential skills like leadership, teamworking and confidence, to support their career development. We’re grateful for GWR’s ongoing support and can’t wait to see where the next cohort’s DofE journeys will take them.”

Exeter College is proud to partner with GWR for the delivery of its apprenticeships and welcomed the train to Exeter St Davids for its final stop.

Customers were encouraged to attend the Exeter College Apprenticeship Expo, where GWR was among 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.

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, John Laramy CBE, said:

“Exeter College is delighted to partner with GWR in offering exceptional apprenticeships. Located in the heart of the GWR community, we were 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.”

Find out more about GWR’s apprenticeship programmes here.