South Western Railway (SWR) has announced that they have been awarded Investors in People’s ‘We Invest in Apprentices’ award for their apprenticeship scheme.

‘We Invest in Apprentices’

Only eight other companies have also won this award, with SWR the only rail industry business to take the award home.

There is a long list of criteria to be achieved to win this award, such as the right reasons to take on apprentices, to being serious about careers.

Making up 3% of total staff and 371 apprentices enrolled so far, it’s clear to see how successful SWR’s apprenticeship scheme is across various roles.

SWR’s Engineering Apprentice and Graduate Manager Rob Hulson said: “Here at SWR, we know that our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we work hard to attract the best apprentices and give them all the support and development opportunities they need to become the railway leaders of tomorrow.”

“An apprenticeship with SWR is a wonderful opportunity to develop skills and build a fantastic career. Every year we publicise apprenticeship opportunities, and I’d urge any aspiring railway apprentices to apply!”

Investors in People CEO Paul Devoy said: “I am delighted that South Western Railway has achieved We invest in apprentices accreditation, thus becoming the only organisation in the world to currently hold We invest in people, We invest in wellbeing and We invest in apprentices. This level of commitment to their people is outstanding, and everyone at South Western Railway should be incredibly proud. We look forward to working with everyone at South Western Railway for many years to come!”

Shannon Fox, an SWR Planning Manager who was formally an apprentice, said:  “I wouldn’t be doing the job I’m doing now without the SWR apprentice scheme, so I’m really pleased it has been recognised in this way. An SWR apprenticeship is a great way to start a career on the railway – I’d recommend them to anyone!”

The Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn while you earn, opening up new and exciting career paths, from cyber security to accountancy. They will play a vital role in our Plan for Jobs, helping create and protect jobs as we build back better after the pandemic. I am delighted to support the launch of the We invest in apprentices blueprint and a huge thank you to the organisations that took part in developing this pioneering initiative. Ensuring that employers offer high quality apprenticeships will make sure that people of all ages and backgrounds have the chance to get ahead and businesses are able to access the skills they need to thrive. I encourage every organisation that offers apprenticeships to gain this new accreditation.”

You can find out more about IIP’s apprenticeship accreditation here.

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