Young people in Derby will be among the first to benefit from 600 new rail apprentices announced by the Department for Transport.
The Great British Railways, Rail Foundation Apprenticeship Programme will give 16–21-year-olds an opportunity to enter both the track and train strands of the rail industry.
While the scheme will be rolled out nationwide, the first cohort will be based in Derby, helping strengthen the city’s position as Europe’s largest rail hub and fostering the next generation of Britian’s railway workforce.
The announcement comes on the same day the DfT confirmed Great British Railways would be based at Springwell Square, Becketwell, giving a double boost to Derby and its economy.
Together, the new headquarters site and apprenticeship scheme will create opportunities for young people and help secure the future of the rail industry at a time when less than 7% of the railway’s workforce is under 25.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:
It’s fantastic that Derby has been selected for the first wave of apprenticeships, further cementing our reputation as the home of rail.
This is a vote of confidence not only in our city, but in our young people, who will shape the future of the rail industry.
Derby has a proud heritage of innovation and engineering. By creating opportunities like this for the next generation, we can ensure that legacy continues for years to come.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:
We are determined to build the strong pipeline of skilled workers on which a thriving rail sector depends.
This foundation apprenticeship will give young people the chance to explore career paths within the sector at an exciting time, developing their technical knowledge and skillset while earning.
This forms part of our £2.5 billion youth employment support package which is creating up to 500,000 opportunities for young people to earn or learn, while backing employers with the support they need to take on young people.