TransPennine Express has introduced the five apprentices to the rail sector and will experience different areas of the business including Business Development, IT, Performance and Service Planning.
The apprentices will undertake an immersive learning process which will focus on how the different areas of TransPennine Express work together in order to keep its customers. The scheme will provide the apprentices with the necessary skills for a career within the rail industry and will see the participants gain a professional qualification which has been created by the rail operator and training providers.
Becky Jones, Talent and Apprenticeship Manager for TransPennine Express said: “We're thrilled to be developing the next generation of rail talent and are proud to be introducing our five new team members to the world of rail and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed and develop an amazing career.
“Apprenticeships are such a great way for young people to kick-start their career, allowing them to further their education and gain great work experience at the same time. At TransPennine Express we want our apprentices to gain knowledge of the whole business, giving them a great start as they begin to build their careers.
“Our apprentices have already got stuck into our operations and are clearly demonstrating their passion for the rail industry. We've got a very strong intake this year and it's going to be really interesting to see how they develop over the coming 2 years on the scheme, and what they go on to do in the future.”
The apprentices are also undertaking a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award which will see them gain essential knowledge such as first aid, retail training and World Host Customer Service all of which will support them in their future careers.
Roman Burke, a Performance apprentice, has joined TPE since finishing his GCSEs.
Roman said: “Coming out of school I had many routes to go down, mainly sixth form or college. Before I heard about the opportunity at TPE, I was pretty set on choosing one of those options.
“But as soon as I learnt about the role and the company, I knew this was the right route to go down. My dad had already been a driver for the company, so I knew I wanted to work for the organisation and begin my journey in the rail industry.
“In my role, I've been taking a close look at the performance of our trains using special software. Our priority is making sure we run a reliable and robust service for customers.
“What I've most enjoyed is going out on the network and seeing different parts of the company, learning about how they operate and what they contribute.”
The majority of apprentices from earlier intakes have gone on to join TransPennnine Express on a permanent basis after completing their apprenticeship. The 2021 cohort has now begun securing full-time positions in the Revenue Protection, Social Media and Control teams.
To find out more about TransPennnine Express' apprenticeship scheme, please visit: tpexpress.co.uk/about-us/apprenticeships
To receive a notification when the application stage opens for the 2023 apprenticeship programme, please register here: https://www.firstgroupcareers.com/company/firsttranspennineexpress/home/
Let’s hope the new blood helps lead to the elimination of the frequent short-notice train cancellations by TPE?