Publicly-owned train operator Northern is celebrating being named the top UK rail operator for employing apprentices.

Northern, which is the second-largest train operator in the UK, running more than 2,500 services each day to nearly 550 stations, was placed at 24th in the list of the ‘Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers’ published by the Sunday Times. This ranking makes it the highest placed train operator on the list, and also matches the best ranking that a train operator has ever achieved on its debut appearance on the list.

The ‘top 100′ list, published by national newspaper The Sunday Times, is compiled on the basis of evaluations of each employer’s apprenticeship programme, assessing its breadth and quality, and also its impact. It is reckoned to be among the most authoritative assessments of British employers’ apprenticeship provision.

Northern believes that its ranking on the list shows that its investment in apprenticeship talent across the North of England is continuing to improve and grow stronger.

Northern says that its apprenticeship programme is a central part of its goal of developing a workforce that is diverse and skilled. It also sees it as a way to “bring the next generation into the rail industry”

The train operator has more than eight hundred apprenticeships in place at the moment, with apprentices learning skills in a range of roles.

Ahead of last year’s National Apprenticeship Week, held every year in February, the operator revealed plans to recruit apprentices at five of its depots: at Allerton in Merseyside, Heaton in Tyne & Wear, Hull Botanic Gardens in East Yorkshire, Neville Hill in West Yorkshire and Newton Heath in Greater Manchester. The previous year, it also took on new apprentices, as it does every year.

People interested in apprenticeships at Northern can find more information about opportunities on the operator’s ‘Early Careers’ website.

“Our apprenticeship programmes are your ticket to a future full of opportunity. You’ll earn while learn, gaining hands on experience and developing skills that will keep your career firmly on track. Why just dream of your future when you can start building it today.

“From mastering the latest technology to keeping our trains running smoothly, everyday brings new challenges, new opportunities, and the chance to be part of something bigger. Whatever direction you choose, we’ll give you the tools to get you moving full steam ahead. This isn’t just an apprenticeship – it’s the start of a career that will really go the distance.”

Northern