EMR to pilot rail foundation apprenticeship for young people

East Midlands Railway (EMR) is preparing to pilot a new GBR Rail Foundation Apprenticeship, creating an entry route into the railway for young people. Rail Technology Magazine reports that the first group is expected to start in January 2027.

EMR, which is operated by Transport UK, is working with the Department for Transport Operator (DfTO) and Network Rail on the pilot.

Who the programme is for

The 12-month programme will be open to people aged 17 to 25. It will bring together practical workplace experience and structured learning, helping participants explore different rail careers while developing industry knowledge and employability skills.

The foundation approach is intended to give young people a broad introduction to the sector before they move into a more specialised pathway.

What apprentices will learn

The programme will cover several areas of railway work:

• Railway operations
• Safety and security
• Customer service
• Performance management
• Health, wellbeing and resilience

Apprentices will combine workplace experience with off-the-job learning. Alongside technical knowledge, the programme will focus on workplace behaviours, confidence and the skills needed to begin a career in rail.

A route into further training and employment

Successful participants will be better placed to move on to further rail apprenticeships or permanent roles in the sector. The pilot will sit alongside EMR's existing apprenticeship programmes, including train driving and passenger transport operations.

EMR's interim managing director, Neil Grabham, described the initiative as a way to make rail careers accessible to more young people and help them discover the range of roles available across the industry.

What this means for the rail sector

A foundation programme can help young people understand the railway before choosing a particular occupation. For employers, it offers an opportunity to introduce future recruits to the importance of safe working, customer service and professional behaviours from the outset.

The pilot is an EMR initiative with its named industry partners. RCG is not identified as a delivery or assessment partner in the source report.

For information about RCG's independent apprenticeship assessment services, visit our apprenticeship assessment page or browse the standards we assess.