Sultans of Swing

July 14th 2010

Catching the best of the summer will be 200 apprentices who have just started work at railway depots across Britain.

The newcomers have successfully completed their first year at Europe's largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. The apprentices will specialise in track, signalling and telecoms and electrics. 

The next part of their career will be spent gaining hands-on experience out on the railway. They will return to HMS Sultan for further courses and training throughout this time. 

Says Steve Featherstone, director of maintenance at Network Rail, ‘Britain relies on rail so it is vital to invest in our people and our future with apprenticeships. We're training the next generation of specialists with the latest technology to deliver this success in a modern, efficient way - it's a career that brings great value to Britain. 

‘Learning on-the-job with experienced teams enables our apprentices to understand the industry and their role far better than they can in a classroom. Once the training is complete, they are already an important team member helping to deliver a better railway for everyone.'

Andy Dobson, a 21-year-old Network Rail track apprentice based in Liverpool commented on the scheme, ‘For me, the best thing about the apprenticeship is the pride you feel from knowing you are contributing to the development and modernisation of the railway.

‘Not only does the scheme offer you an opportunity to better yourself but it also allows you to meet new people and experience new things you wouldn't otherwise get to the chance to do.' 

Lettie Todd, a 20-year-old Network Rail property works apprentice based in one of Britain's busiest stations, London's Liverpool Street, is enjoying the scheme, ‘There is so much going on and to get involved with. The practical learning aspect of the course is great because it provides a hands-on experience which prepares you for the working environment of the depots.'

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