GWR wins recognition for ‘outstanding’ apprenticeship scheme

The train operator earned national recognition in the Government’s Top Apprenticeship Employers 2026 rankings, which celebrate organisations delivering outstanding apprenticeship programmes.

Ashley Bray, human resources director at Great Western Railway, said: “It’s another achievement we can be immensely proud of.

“To be recognised alongside some of the country’s leading employers reflects the dedication of our teams and, most importantly, the talent and commitment of our apprentices.

“Combined with becoming the first train operator to achieve Platinum accreditation for our apprenticeship programme, this recognition reinforces our commitment to creating real opportunities for diverse young people from our local communities to build rewarding careers in the railway.”

Earlier this year, GWR became the UK’s first train operator to achieve Platinum status in the Investors in People ‘We Invest in Apprentices’ accreditation.

The company’s apprenticeship journey began in 2011 with just 15 apprentices.

Since then, it has expanded to offer more than 17 programmes and now supports more than 300 apprentices in a variety of roles across its network.

GWR Learning and Development Manager Andrew Perry said: “We’ve been on an incredible journey since launching our first apprenticeship programme in 2011 with just 15 apprentices.

“To be recognised as one of the country’s top 100 apprenticeship employers is fantastic recognition of everyone’s hard work and the positive experiences our apprentices have throughout their journey with us.”

One standout example is Sophie Carter, a 22-year-old customer service apprentice from Plymouth who won the Sir Andrew Haines Apprentice of the Year Award at GWR’s internal recognition programme.

During her apprenticeship, she completed a level 2 colleague course, earned a foundation degree, and achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Ms Carter went on to a Driver Manager Apprenticeship, where she led a project to run a train crewed entirely by current and former apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week.

The initiative was praised by Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander MP.

Ms Carter said: “It’s brilliant to see GWR recognised as one of England’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers because it reflects the genuine investment the company makes in its apprentices.

“I’ve been given opportunities I never imagined, from developing new skills and gaining qualifications to leading projects that have made a real difference.

“It’s a place where you’re encouraged to grow, challenged to achieve your potential and supported every step of the way, and I’m really proud to be part of that success.”