Your Journey Starts Here.
Every great career at South Western Railway starts out with our Customer Experience Training Team. They are the architects of your first impression, ensuring that from the very first moment you feel empowered, inspired, and fully equipped for the track ahead. From setting up your digital tools and ID passes to the seamless delivery of your induction, this team works tirelessly behind the scenes to pave your way to success.
“Every colleague at SWR starts their journey with us. Whether you are joining the business for the first time, transitioning into a new role, or returning to sharpen your skills, our doors are always open.
My team manages the logistics, creation and delivery of over 22 specialist courses across every area of the business. I am immensely proud to lead such a creative, passionate, and inspiring group of people who are dedicated to your professional growth. We look forward to welcoming you to the SWR family and supporting you every step of the way." - Emma Cook CEx Training Manager
The First Step of Your Adventure.
Induction isn't just a meeting; it’s the beginning of your journey. This is where you will discover the heart of our company, connect with colleagues who may become lifelong friends, and truly experience what it means to be part of the SWR family.
We’ve designed the induction to flow like the perfect rail journey, giving you the confidence to take charge of your new role from day one. You’ll dive deep into our vision, mission and purpose that shapes everything we do. We don't just talk about inclusion; we live it. Through dedicated disability and equality awareness, we ensure every colleague understands that a truly inclusive railway is a stronger railway.
Expertise That Moves You.
As you progress, your training becomes as unique as your role. While our Guards master the art of keeping our customers safe on our trains, our Station and Revenue Protection teams dive into the nuances of world-class customer service. It’s about more than just "the job", it’s to be the team everyone trusts, to connect the people and places that matter.
Our Behaviours.
At SWR, we are driven by a single spark: bringing people together to get the most out of life. You’ll see this purpose in action as you learn the behaviours that define us.
Our trainers bring these behaviours to life, transforming theory into the real-world skills you’ll use every day.
“It can be easy to think of demonstrating the SWR behaviours as something impressive or grand. However, we see them as the small, everyday actions that help us to be the best version of ourselves - especially when others are relying on us. Throughout our training, we encourage learners to reflect on the SWR behaviours and recognise how these small actions, taken consistently, add up to create big wins.” - Katy Simmonds. CEx Trainer
Empathy in Action
Our Disability and Equality workshop is a standout part of your development. You will step into the shoes of our customers and colleagues, learning how to break down barriers and champion a culture of belonging. Through the Passenger Assist process, you’ll see how a little empathy and full accountability can transform a customer’s day.
The Engine: Learning & Development Administrators & Recruitment Teams.
Behind every great trainer is an incredible support system. Our Learning & Development Admin team are the masters of logistics and planning, ensuring your courses are perfectly coordinated and your equipment is ready when you are. They are the go-to experts for your initial queries and the "engine" that keeps our training programmes on track.
“As Learning & development administrators, we manage many of the behind-the-scenes details that keep training running smoothly. Our role includes coordinating colleague release, booking training rooms, raising purchase orders, liaising with external caterers, issuing joining instructions and staff ID cards and tracking KPI's.
We collaborate closely with Recruitment and IT to ensure everything is in place for each new colleague as they start their journey with us. Much of our work happens in the background, but alongside our trainers and manager, the admin team plays a vital role in making every training session a success.” - Kerryn Howard, L&D Administrator
This unseen work starts even before your first day. Our Recruitment and Learning & Development Admin teams work together to ensure your onboarding is effortless. From the first check to the final detail, we collaborate to make sure the stage is set for you to shine.
"By working together with the training team, we can ensure that all new colleagues are fully prepared before they start. By sharing the correct information early, including any outstanding right to work checks and onboarding requirements, we help create a smooth, supportive experience that sets everyone up from day one." - Maria, Recruitment Administrator
The Personal Touch
Beyond the processes and the practicalities, the training team is about connection. They are the first friendly faces you’ll meet—the people who ensure that in those first few days, you never feel lost, only supported.
“Great teams are built one amazing person at a time — welcome to the family!" - Nikki Rutter
By the time you finish your programme, you won't just be "trained"—you will be a vital part of the SWR story. You’ll walk away with the knowledge to succeed, the confidence to lead, and the pride of knowing you belong to a team where we work together with care and commitment, to make every journey, every day, easy and reliable.
This is more than a job. This is your career.
WE ARE SWR!
