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Apprenticeships are at the heart of GWR

Current Apprenticeship Opportunities

The railway has a long history of working with apprenticeships to help shape its future workforce, but did you know GWR offer a range of apprenticeship opportunities for colleagues of all ages and stages of their career?

Our apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with study to achieve a recognised qualification and are open to all. We deliver our apprenticeships across 2,000 miles of the network and are pushing the boundaries to ensure our schemes are up to date, challenging and future proof. Our Apprenticeship Schemes have been recognised and awarded by the National Apprentice Service and we have been runners-up several years in a row at the prestigious Personnel Training Awards for Apprentice Employer of the Year.

Apprentices work in key areas of GWR; helping to deliver excellent service to our customers.

Apprentices receive:

Continuous Learning and Development.
Vocational training in the areas of the apprenticeship.
Dedicated mentors.
Bespoke development sessions.
Team building events.
Intensive on-the-job training.
Fantastic Company Benefits including free travel on all GWR services.

Customer Service Apprenticeships

Our customers are important to us, and a Customer Service Apprenticeship lets you learn how to create the best experience for everyone. Whether it’s at the station, on board a train or communicating over social media, our customers are at the heart of what we do.

Our Customer Service Apprenticeship scheme puts you right in the core of day-to-day operations across the GWR network, giving you a dynamic and interesting experience of working in the Rail Industry, all while getting to explore the beautiful locations that we serve.

No two days are the same and you will get to meet an incredible and diverse range of people, from customers to colleagues, learning what really keeps our communities thriving.

The programme involves:

18-month programme.
On the job training.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.

Engineering Apprenticeships

Working in the heart of the rail industry, an Engineering Apprenticeship can give you valuable, transferable skills for life. From working in depots to building them, Engineers are critical to keeping our trains running; getting our customers home, to work and keeping them connected with those they care most about.

Gaining valuable skills such as mechanical, pneumatic and electrical engineering, including learning about how our network and depots are run. Being an Engineering Apprentice enables you to build on your skills, knowledge and behaviours, that can only be learnt on the job.

You will be supported and guided through your training by some of the best Engineers in the industry, setting you up for the best possible career.

The programme involves:

4-year programme.
Nationally recognised qualification.
On the job training.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.

Plant Technician Apprentices

As an Engineering Plant Technician Apprentice at GWR you’ll train and learn whilst you earn. Everything from how to inspect, service, repair, fault find and react to faults with depot infrastructure, from lighting / heating systems to 415v shore supply systems and equipment that enables our Engineering depots to operate and in turn supports Engineering in delivering the train service for our customers.

The apprenticeship is designed to maximise your full potential and provide you with the competencies, experiences and qualifications needed to become a skilled Engineer of the future.

The programme involves:

4-year programme.
Nationally recognised qualification.
On the job training.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.

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Harvey - Engineering Apprentice

“My journey has been very rewarding so far and being able to work through these challenging times has kept me sane as well as being able to keep my skills in shape. I've learnt much more than I would if I was not fortunate to be on the apprenticeship scheme. As part of my 4-year journey I also completed the Duke of Edinburgh Business Gold award, which was fun to participate in. I also went to Skern lodge to complete my residential section. This involved activities such as long walks, abseiling, kayaking and Swimming."

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Chloe - Customer Service Apprentice

“What I have enjoyed most about being an apprentice is we can see all aspects of GWR. We rotate around and experience different job roles, such as working alongside revenue inspectors, checking tickets on board trains, as well as working at the stations alongside ambassadors and the gateline teams. This for me is such a great insight into what it is like working at GWR.”

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Joseph - Customer Service Apprentice

“Being able to achieve my apprenticeship and get a job at GWR has been my biggest achievement so far. It’s made a huge difference to me in my life and has enabled me to achieve my dreams. Through the Apprenticeship Scheme I have been able to develop massively and build my confidence. It’s also helped my family and now I can help them economically.”