The RMT union has launched its Apprentice Charter at its Young Members Conference in Canterbury, demanding better pay, working conditions, and training standards for transport apprentices across the UK.
With a projected 50,000 rail workers retiring in the next five years, the union says its charter is vital to ensure apprenticeships are seen as a valuable investment in the future of the transport industry, rather than low-paid, insecure roles.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “Apprenticeships should be a gateway to highly skilled, secure jobs, but instead, too many young workers are trapped in low pay, poor training, and dead-end contracts.
“Our Apprentice Charter sets out a clear plan to fix this broken system, with better pay, guaranteed jobs, and high-quality, in-house training.
“The government and employers must step up and invest in the next generation of transport workers to help grow the economy and provide secure skilled employment for the long term.”
The charter’s key demands include:
- Fair Pay & Conditions: Apprentices must be paid above the National Living Wage and covered by national collective bargaining agreements.
- Secure Jobs: An end to fixed-term contracts and a guarantee of permanent employment for apprentices who complete training.
- High-Quality Training: Apprenticeships must be brought back in-house, ending low-quality outsourced training.
- More Skilled Apprenticeships: At least 5,000 new railway apprentices per year are needed to fill the UK’s transport skills gap.
- Government Action: A fully funded national apprenticeship strategy must be introduced under Great British Railways (GBR) to ensure apprentices receive proper training and career progression opportunities.
Eddie Dempsey, RMT Senior Assistant General Secretary, said: “We cannot allow apprentices to be treated as disposable, low-paid labour by unscrupulous employers.
“The RMT Apprentice Charter is a demand for respect, proper wages, and the quality training that young workers deserve.
“The industry is at a tipping point—either we invest in the next generation now, or we face a catastrophic skills shortage in the years ahead on the railway.”
Sarah Cundy, RMT Young Members Chair, added: “Too many young workers are being left behind in a broken system. This charter is about dignity, fairness, and the right to a secure job. If you’re an apprentice in transport, it’s time to get involved and fight for your rights.”
