250 Rail industry apprenticeships have become available with Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express for 2022

Those looking at applying for an apprenticeship within the rail industry with Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express, have timed it just right with an increase in positions expected to rise by 25% during 2022.

The apprenticeships available will cover a wide range of areas, including engineering, customer services, train driving and administration.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is the parent company and its aim is to target a diverse range of possible applicants and is currently working alongside partners Not Going To Uni, Socially Recruited, RMP Enterprise, The Association for BME Engineers and Springpod in a bid to draw interest throughout the country to work across the Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Great Northern routes.

Engineering Apprentice Development Manager, Tom Jerome, has been training apprentices since 2003 and also started with the railway as an apprentice, said: “I started my engineering apprenticeship in 1993 at the age of 18. I was really interested in electrical and mechanical modifications; updating on-board systems and components so joined that team after my apprenticeship.

“Later, I stepped up to team leader and started to oversee projects. I have always been interested in training and development so later applied to become an Engineering Trainer which also involved managing the Engineering Apprenticeship scheme. In 2015 the opportunity to manage the engineering apprentice programme came up; I jumped at the chance to extend this and support the next generation of railway engineers.”

Sydney Granger who is 21 didn’t want to go to university once she left school and was pleasantly surprised by the array of options available. Sydney said: “I’m now one year into the Level 3 Apprenticeship and working full time at the Hornsey depot. I love the practical element to the course because it really helps expand my knowledge of units, tools and equipment that I’ll be using every day. I want people my age to realise that university isn’t the only option, there are so many possibilities when it comes to apprenticeships and I would love others to seriously consider it.”

Yvonne Baiden who is 51 and is currently in her second year of a Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician Apprenticeship. Yvonne said: “I’m a full-time mum to three children, as well as being a grandparent. I don’t get much time to myself but I’m not letting that stop me working towards my career goals. Doing an apprenticeship at my age isn’t without its challenges, but I think if you get the chance to learn new skills you should just go for it! I would love to see more women realise the potential of engineering. It may seem like a man’s world but there’s so much opportunity, especially when it comes to engineering jobs in rail.”

The increase in apprenticeships is welcome news for those looking to apply, the rail company is also hiring 200 apprentices before the end of this year with some schemes already open for applications.

David Jackson, Apprenticeship Specialist at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “As passenger numbers increase and the country gets back on track, we’re delighted to be able to offer even more fantastic apprenticeship opportunities to work in the innovative rail industry. Glowing testimonials from our successful apprentices – from this year’s cohort as well as those who joined the railway as an apprentice and have since worked their way through the ranks – shows just how many doors a scheme like this can open.”

To find out more or if you are considering applying for an apprenticeship with GTR, please visit https://gtrailwaycareers.com/jobs/apprenticeships/

Applications for the 2022 Engineering Apprenticeships have now opened and anyone interested has until the 28th of November to apply. Please visit the website here for further information or to apply: https://gtrailwaycareers.com/jobs/vacancy/engineering-apprentice-2022-0925-redhill/943/description/

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