Published on: Monday, 5 March 2018
Last updated: Monday, 5 March 2018
Apprentices are our future – that is the message from Greater Anglia today as the rail operator shows its support for National Apprenticeship Week 2018.
National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from March 5-9 celebrates apprenticeships and how they benefit people, businesses, communities and our economy.
Many of Greater Anglia’s workforce started their railway careers as an apprentice. Natasha Engledow joined the railway as an apprentice in 2016 and is now employed full-time.
Throughout her year-long apprenticeship she worked towards an NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service.
She now works full time on the platform and in ticket offices across Greater Anglia’s network.
Natasha said: “I previously worked in childcare but was looking for a career change, and I saw an opportunity to join the railway.
“I like how varied my role is – I split my time between Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Thetford and Diss. The best thing about my job is meeting new people and learning, I feel like I learn something new every day.”
Five apprentices from Natasha’s cohort secured employment once their course finished.
Katy Bucknell, Acting HR Director, said: “Apprentices are an integral part of our business, as they are the future. We currently have a six engineering apprentices at Ilford depot and a further three at Crown Point depot in Norwich. All of our apprentices make valued contributions to the business and we are very pleased to have them on board.
“The railway is a great place to work with a wealth of opportunities and fantastic benefits.”
Last year, apprentice Daniel Boardley was praised for creating a solution to help keep buffet cars cool in the summer. The system he designed was installed on seven buffet cars last year.
During the current franchise, Greater Anglia will employ at least 20 trainees every year and create a minimum of 30 apprenticeships by 2019.