Train operator Southeastern has been awarded the prestigious Gold Standard in the Investors in People Assessment for Apprenticeships for the company’s apprenticeship programme.

The award came after Southeastern underwent a robust assessment, which involved a survey by Investors in People of apprentices and interviewing 26 of the company’s apprentices, line managers, and key individuals in the learning and development team. Investors in People also reviewed extensive written evidence including the strategic business case and apprenticeship strategy.

Southeastern is one of only three large employers in the country to hold gold in three areas of assessment: We Invest in Apprentices; We Invest in Wellbeing; and We Invest in Apprentices.

There are currently 380 apprentices currently being trained by Southeastern and another 50 are due to start their training in September. The overall experience of apprentices was rated as exceptional, with high satisfaction rates and a strong commitment to the programme throughout the organisation.

In its feedback after the assessment, Investors in People stated that Southeastern:

• Offers structured support which benefits all apprentices, including guidance from providers, mentors, and line managers.
• Ensures successful integration between on-the-job and off-the-job tasks for apprentices.
• Actively seeks feedback to continuously improve all programmes.
• Has a clear apprenticeship strategy that aligns with the company’s business goals and provides invaluable skills and clear career pathways.
• Has a process in place to continually improve communication and engagement to make sure that everyone is aware of the opportunities available.
• Has excellent partnerships and collaborations in place with training providers and partners.
• It was recognised for its proactive approach and commitment, particularly the Apprenticeship Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Coaches, Mentors, and Tutors.

Each year the Department for Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, independently assesses and ranks the nation’s top apprenticeship employers and lists what it considers to be the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers. This year Southeastern achieved number 68 in the rankings, which are based on employers’ commitment to creating new apprenticeships, the diversity of their apprentices, and the number of apprentices who successfully achieve their apprenticeships.

Further information about working for Southeastern is available online at Careers | Southeastern (southeasternrailway.co.uk)

Leading the team is Southeastern’s Apprenticeship Manager Sarah Jones, she said: “We are really thrilled to achieve this Gold. It is a welcome recognition of the dedication and perseverance of both our apprentices, the Apprenticeship team and reflects the support of line managers. To also be listed in the top 100 Apprenticeship Employers really underlines our commitment to developing our people.”

Southeastern Trainee Driver Joshua Pollock, who is based at Ramsgate, added: “The help and support available during the apprenticeship is brilliant, and I would encourage anyone to apply for a role at Southeastern. The rewards are fantastic.

“Being on the apprenticeship programme allows me to gain a professional qualification as well as improving my functional skills in English, Maths and ICT.”