To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (10-16 February), Britain’s railway has announced plans to recruit 2,000 apprentices this year, coinciding with its bicentenary, and aims to hire at least 10,000 apprentices over the next five years.
A diverse range of one to four-year apprenticeships will be available for individuals of all backgrounds and ages, whether they are entering the workforce for the first time or seeking to retrain for a new career. Opportunities are being offered by employers across the UK rail industry, including Network Rail, train and freight operators, manufacturers, and the rail supply chain.
The roles span various fields such as engineering, finance, train driving, sustainability, IT, human resources, customer service, and operations.
This initiative supports National Apprenticeship Week and aligns with the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, celebrated through Railway 200 – a year-long program designed to attract the next generation of pioneering talent.
The recruitment and training efforts aim to create a more digitally driven, sustainable railway and nurture the next generation of rail professionals, helping to develop essential new skills within the industry.
Apprenticeships offer a combination of on-the-job learning and study, and are open to both young people and adult learners. The railway industry is committed to becoming more representative of the society it serves, striving to attract more women, people from ethnic minorities, and those with neurodiversity.
Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity for people to start their careers in a variety of roles in rail. The rail industry plays a vital role in connecting communities and supporting the economy, and we need a diverse range of skills and perspectives to create the workforce of the future.
“As we celebrate the railway’s rich heritage, we’re looking to the future, investing in our people to help us deliver the high-quality, innovative service that passengers expect.”
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “From personal experience I know how rewarding a career in the rail industry is. It is brilliant to see so many opportunities available, from roles for those wanting to start their careers to people keen to learn new skills and develop, in a fast-paced and exciting sector.
"The railways have a long history of innovation and Railway 200 represents the perfect opportunity to look to the future and inspire the next generation. I encourage everyone looking for a new challenge to discover how they can use their unique skills and talents to help build the railways of the future.”
Neil Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR), said, “These are good apprenticeships, mostly in skills shortage disciplines, that are recognised all around the world. We are looking for committed people from a wide range of backgrounds to fill them.”
Those who wish to explore opportunities within rail can find out more about the apprenticeships that are available across the industry via the Routes into Rail website. Roles are also advertised on the Network Rail website and by individual train operating companies.
Image & Video credit: HS2
