Your Future Starts on the Railway
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week from the 9th – 15th February, we’re shining a light on the talented individuals who choose to start their careers with us, and the incredible impact they make across our network.
Whether you’re fascinated by engineering, passionate about customer service, or ready to lead teams of your own, our apprenticeships open the door to a world of opportunity. Each year, more people apply to join us, and the popularity of our programme speaks for itself. Applications for our 2026 apprenticeships reached record levels this year, showing just how popular our programmes have become.
Behind every application is someone ready to grow, and we’re proud to be the place where that growth begins.
A Supportive Start to Your Career
From day one, apprentices are welcomed into a community built on teamwork, inclusion, and genuine care. You’ll be guided by colleagues who bring years of experience and a passion for helping others succeed. They’ll share their knowledge, offer support, and make sure you feel confident as you take on new challenges.
It’s not just about learning skills, it’s about finding your place, your people, and your purpose.
Learning That Moves You Forward
As the railway evolves, so do the opportunities within it. Our apprentices play a vital role in shaping the future of travel, from supporting the introduction of our new Arterio fleet to helping create a cleaner, greener railway for the communities we serve.
Your training blends hands‑on experience with nationally recognised qualifications, giving you the tools to build a career that’s both meaningful and full of possibility.
Programmes That Fit Your Ambition
We offer apprenticeships for different stages of life and career goals:
· Young Talent Rail Apprenticeships (16–18) — Level 2–3 roles across customer service, IT, planning, communications, and more.
· Leadership Rail Apprenticeships (18+) — Level 3–4 programmes designed to develop the leaders of tomorrow.
· Engineering Apprenticeship (18+) — A specialist pathway working towards the Level 3 Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician qualification.
Each programme is designed to help you grow, step by step, into the professional you want to become.
Oliver, one of our Young Talent Apprentices explained how he "was captivated with what they had to offer me, and it showed me how the railway industry is rich in opportunities. I could shadow any team that I was interested in, I could be take part in events that all TOCs pour so much time and effort with".
"Once my apprenticeship comes to an end, I hope to apply for a position within the Recruitment team. I believe that I have found what function of the business I want to pursue. I find the job is in line with my skills and I find that every day in the office is different".
Oliver added "doing an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to develop and learn. No matter what your age is, there always is an apprenticeship for you".
A Journey That Belongs to You
Although applications for our 2026 apprenticeships are now closed, the journey doesn’t end here. We’ll continue to share updates, stories, and future opportunities, and we’d love for you to be part of what comes next.
Follow us on Instagram @we_are_SWR to stay connected and discover when new opportunities open.
At South Western Railway, apprentices don’t just join a programme.
They join a family.
They join a purpose.
They join the future of rail.
WE ARE SWR.
