TransPennine Express (TPE) has launched a pioneering new apprenticeship scheme, dubbed “express start,” with its first cohort of recruits now embarking on careers in the rail industry. The initiative is designed to attract young talent and offer them broad experience across the company before committing to a specialist career path.
The programme opens the door to individuals who might not have previously considered working in rail, ensuring a deep and varied introduction to the sector.
Rotation and Exploration
The very first “express start” cohort includes Daisy Heywood, Callum Huntley, Heather Booton, Tom Duddridge, Kian McDonald, and Olly Gower. They are joined by two specialist apprentices: Tamikka Reid, starting a marketing apprenticeship, and Ahmed Bah, undertaking an apprenticeship in IT.
Together, the apprentices will spend time rotating through various departments, allowing them to build foundational skills and identify the roles that best suit their ambitions.
The scheme’s core aim is to help the apprentices settle in and discover where their passions lie, while ensuring each placement provides a real depth of experience. Apprentices will rotate through critical areas such as revenue protection, commercial, business delivery, planning, customer service, performance, and administration, with opportunities also available in emerging areas like sustainability.
Lindsay Penney, Early Careers Manager at TPE said: “We’re delighted to welcome this year’s apprentices as we introduce the express start programme. This new scheme has been created to engage with young people who may not yet know where they want to go in their careers, giving them the chance to try out different areas of the business and find their place in rail.”
TPE stated it is proud to support the next generation of railway talent and looks forward to seeing the contribution the apprentices will make as they begin their careers in the industry.
