EMT launches Apprenticeship Scheme “Derby has a long and proud heritage of railway engineering and we recognised the need to invest in the future of the maintenance side of the business …”
says Joshua. ‘The railways are in my family blood and they are all really proud of me. I had considered going to university but didn’t want to be saddled with loads of debt. The opportunity to earn whilst training is brilliant.’ Tim Sayer, Engineering Director for East Midlands Trains, welcomed the new apprenticeship scheme. ‘These four apprentices are the first to be recruited by East Midlands Trains and we are really pleased to be welcoming them into our business. ‘Derby has a long and proud heritage of railway engineering and we recognised the need to invest in the future of the maintenance side of the business, ensuring that we have the skills in place to continue our excellent track record in vehicle safety and reliability. ‘The apprenticeship programme is a tried and tested route to recruit and train young people and we are pleased to be working with Derby College to introduce this scheme into our business.’
Joshua Brear, Jamie Spooner, Callum Howling, Matt Taylor.
TIM SAYER, ENGINEERING DIRECTOR, EAST MIDLANDS TRAINS
East Midlands Trains has recruited its first four engineering apprentices as part of a new scheme to build workforce skills and tackle potential future skills shortages. The Derby-based train operator has recruited four local young people based at its maintenance depots in Etches Park, Derby, and
Eastcroft, Nottingham. The newcomers will attend Derby College’s Engineering Academy at the Roundhouse studying for mechanical and electrical engineering qualifications as part of their apprenticeship. The new apprentices are Matthew Taylor (18) from Mickleover, Jamie Spooner (16)
from Alvaston, Callum Howling (16) and Joshua Brear (17) who are both from Long Eaton. Former Long Eaton School pupil Joshua Brear is the third generation of his family to work on the railways. ‘I had wanted to follow in my family’s footsteps and work on the railway and I was really pleased to be accepted for the apprenticeship scheme,’
Apprentice Champion
ScotRail takes on more apprentices
Jamie-Leigh Clayton has been named Apprentice Champion of the Year in the regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards. Jamie-Leigh successfully completed an Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering with Invensys Rail in 2010 and is now an Assistant Designer with the company. She now champions apprenticeship programmes at schools and events, sharing her positive experiences and encouraging others to see an apprenticeship as a worthwhile career move.
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ScotRail has taken on a second tranche of recruits for its Modern Apprenticeship in Customer Service. The apprentices will study for an SVQ Level 2 in Customer Service, and will be encouraged to take the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. Ahead of them lies the bright prospect of a full-time career with ScotRail. The 18-month programme, first launched in March 2011, offers experience in three frontline customer service roles. Apprentices work in a station booking office, as a ticket examiner and as an onboard hospitality host. The scheme has been widely admired and is supported by the Scottish Parliament. Says Steve Montgomery, ScotRail’s managing director, ‘The modern apprenticeship programme was so successful that we have decided to continue the scheme with a second group of young recruits. It is an excellent way of nurturing young talent in order to create a highly
skilled and loyal workforce. ‘The group will face many challenges over the 18 months and in return will receive first rate training and mentoring to develop their confidence and equip them with the skills to forge a successful career.’ Angela Constance, Minister for Youth Employment, is a keen
supporter of the scheme. ‘Taking on a young person makes good business sense and helps employers thrive. I saw the benefits for both ScotRail and its young apprentices when I recently attended the graduation event for the first cohort of apprentices who have now completed their training,’ says Constance. www.railstaff.co.uk