Virgin Trains have partnered with ASLEF to announce the rail industry’s first driver apprenticeship scheme.

Virgin Trains are the first train operating company to launch the scheme. It will develop the skills for some of the youngest train drivers in the UK.

The TOC received over 1,200 applications for these positions. The final three final candidates were selected in February. This is after a 16-stage recruitment process.

The programme is a year-long. The apprentices will receive driver training. They will also receive the functional skills along with maths, english and ICT.

29-year-old Simon Tyrer from Preston, 24-year-old Samantha Jones from Manchester. 19-year-old Joe Wilson from Liverpool is the youngest candidate was. All made the cut and will be driving soon.

Sam Edwards, a former Virgin Trains red track apprentice, co-designed the scheme. He wanted to use his experience as an apprentice to help others.

What did they say?

Director for Human Resources at Virgin Trains west coast, Patrick McGrath, said: “We are delighted to be launching the first ever train driver apprenticeship scheme alongside ASLEF. At Virgin Trains, we believe in giving our staff the tools to innovate. It’s great to see that one of our former apprentices has used his skills to truly shake-up the industry. It’s clear that the appetite for high-quality training in the rail industry is still there and we look forward to inviting the next generation of train drivers to come join us at Virgin Trains.”

Kevin Lindsay, District Organiser for Aslef, said: “We welcome this joint initiative and look forward to continuing developing the driver apprenticeship scheme with Virgin West Coast Trains as this is a great opportunity to bring young people into the rail industry and particularly the driving grade.”

Train driver apprentice, Samantha Jones, said: “I’m so happy to have the opportunity to be able to dive straight into this apprenticeship and build on the skills I’ll need as a driver. It’s given me a clear picture of what the role is actually like and everyone has been so supportive along the way.”