Press release -
West Midlands Railway: Young rail professionals showcase their skills to mark National Apprenticeship Week
Apprentices at the West Midlands’ primary rail operator have shared their experiences of working in the rail industry to mark National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-14).
West Midlands Railway (WMR) carries millions of passengers across the region every year and employs more than 100 apprentices across its depots, offices and on its trains.
Officials from the worlds of skills, local government and the rail industry were among guests who attended a special event at Tyseley maintenance depot in Birmingham yesterday (Thursday 13 February), where many of WMR’s apprenticeship roles are based.
Ian McConnell, WMR managing director, said: “Working in the rail industry is an incredibly varied and interesting career. We are committed to offering young people right across our network the chance take the first step on the ladder.
“Last year we started 49 brand new apprenticeships across the business, offering on-the-job training and support in a fast-paced, professional environment. There is no typical apprentice, with applicants from any background welcome to apply.
“As the railway celebrates its 200th anniversary, through our apprenticeship and graduate schemes we are proud to play our part in inspiring and nurturing the next generation of railway workers.”
At the Tyseley event, guests heard from two 19-year-old WMR apprentices about their day-to-day roles maintaining dozens of trains at the depot and how they got started in the rail industry.
Apprentice technician Owen said: “I started as an apprentice at the age of 16 fresh from school. The apprenticeship is four years in total with a mix of college-based lessons and practical experience on the shop floor. Working on the railway can be a job for life.”
Fellow apprentice technician Yuvraj added: "At the moment I am in my third year of my apprenticeship and most of my days at the moment are spent either doing preventative maintenance or heavy maintenance of wheelsets. We work on two main types of train at Tyseley, which are the Class 172 fleet and the newer Class 196 fleet."
To find out more about apprenticeships at WMR and hear from more apprentices, visit www.wmr.uk/apprenticeships
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About West Midlands Trains
For further information on this release, email press.office@wmtrains.co.uk
West Midlands Trains operates both West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway services.
- London Northwestern Railway services operate between Liverpool and Birmingham, and on the West Coast Main Line to and from London Euston.
- West Midlands Railway services operate to destinations across the West Midlands via Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill.
For more information on these services visit westmidlandsrailway.co.uk or londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk
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