Greater Anglia‘s celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2024 this week (from 5th to 11th Feb) comes at a fitting time for the rail operator whose owning company, The Transport UK Group, was placed 56th in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers as part of the Apprenticeship Employer Awards.

The rail operator is keen to support its staff members, regardless of age or where they currently are in their career, with the opportunity to further develop their potential through a fully funded apprenticeship.

Greater Anglia currently has approximately 200 staff members working towards qualifications through apprenticeships, which are available across a wide range of areas, such as:

• Administration
• Engineering
• Customer Service
• Conductor
• Train Driver

Apprenticeships with the rail operator are available in levels 2 to 5 offering an intermediate level to begin with and working through to higher apprenticeship, which is equivalent to a foundation degree.

The apprenticeship programme provides both tutor-led training and vital on-the-job experience where skills can be gained and improved upon, from communication and teamwork through to problem-solving leadership whilst discovering more about the company and the rail industry.

Mentorship and support are also available throughout the apprenticeship via the managers of those learning, training-provider-allocated coaches and skills tutors.

Everyone who completes their apprenticeship will also be given a nationally recognised qualification alongside the development of excellent employability skills.

During National Apprenticeship Week, the rail operator will share inspiring stories across its social media channels from current and former apprentices.

We are really pleased to be celebrating National Apprenticeship Week and to be able to champion the incredible successes of our current and former apprentices.

Since it was set up in 2017, our apprenticeship scheme has trained over 265 of our colleagues from all areas of the business, including operations, customer service, and office-based roles.

Apprenticeships allow everyone to develop skills that all ultimately improve the experience provided to our passengers every single day

Viktorija Novikova, Greater Anglia’s Early Careers and Apprenticeship Manager

There is a false perception that apprenticeships are only accessible to those fresh out of school, but that is simply not the case – apprenticeships are open to anyone and provide a wealth of new skills, all the while being given support and guidance so that staff can reach their full potential.

Initially, I was apprehensive as to what the benefits of the apprenticeship would be. As it went on, I found that the course was excellent for my professional development and it has equipped me with skills and knowledge to excel within my role.

I would recommend anyone wishing for the challenge or develop themselves to take any opportunity for an apprenticeship scheme.”

John Smith, Former apprenticeship currently working as Lead Driver Manager at Greater Anglia