West Midlands Railway (WMR) has become the first train operator in the UK to achieve gold ‘Excellent Employer’ status for its engineering apprenticeship programme.
The accreditation, awarded by Next Gen Makers following a 12-month assessment, is based on feedback from current apprentices and recognises organisations delivering high-quality training and development opportunities.
WMR’s four-year, salaried engineering apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet), combining practical depot-based experience with classroom learning. Most training takes place at the operator’s Tyseley depot in south Birmingham, where apprentices gain hands-on experience maintaining mechanical and electrical systems used across modern rolling stock.
The recognition follows a £70 million investment programme at Tyseley, completed in October 2025, which included extending the main maintenance shed, upgrading inspection facilities and installing new lifting equipment.
John Doughty, Engineering Director at WMR, said the award reflects the company’s commitment to developing future talent.
“This accreditation recognises our focus on delivering high-quality training and creating strong career pathways into the rail industry,” he said.
Mike Townsend, Deputy Director for Business Development at BMet, said the partnership has helped establish a strong pipeline of engineering skills.
“This is a significant achievement and highlights WMR’s dedication to supporting early careers and raising standards,” he said.
WMR currently has 16 apprentices on the scheme, supporting the operator’s wider focus on building long-term engineering capability across its network.
