West Midlands Railway earns top status for apprenticeship scheme
West Midlands Railway becomes the first train operator to achieve gold accreditation for its engineering apprenticeship programme
West Midlands Railway has been awarded ‘Excellent Employer’ status for its engineering apprenticeship programme, becoming the first train operator to achieve gold accreditation.
The recognition follows a 12-month assessment carried out by Next Gen Makers, which evaluates employers based on feedback from current apprentices to identify organisations delivering high-quality training and development opportunities.
The four-year salaried scheme, run in partnership with Birmingham Metropolitan College, combines classroom learning with hands-on experience.
The sixteen apprentices develop skills in servicing mechanical and electrical systems used across the modern rail network.
John Doughty, engineering director at WMR, said: “This accreditation recognises our commitment to offering high quality training, so we can develop the next generation of rail talent and help young people launch their career with us.
“I started my career as an apprentice, so I know how valuable these opportunities are, and I am so proud that our team has achieved this gold standard.”