Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week – Meet the apprentice who is earning while learning at TransPennine Express

Oliver Ball, 19, is currently undertaking a two-year apprenticeship with the train operator, where he is benefitting from learning the skills and knowledge needed to follow a career in the rail sector, while earning a wage at the same time.

Oliver, from Stoke, is one of 14 apprentices experiencing several different areas within the company such as Major Projects, Service Planning, Customer Experience and Human Resources. As part of their training, each apprentice is also working towards a professional qualification, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Oliver said: “I’m currently working as an apprentice in the Service Planning team. It’s an incredible opportunity to gain skills and develop a qualification and I’ve enjoyed every second of it so far.

“I’ve had fantastic support from the apprenticeship team, my fellow apprentices and my line managers since starting at TPE, and I would highly recommend applying for an apprenticeship to anyone who wants to get into the rail industry.

“No matter what your age, where you come from, or what qualifications you have, my advice would be to not let anything hold you back and chase your dreams. I’m chasing mine now and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Nicola Buckley, HR Director at TransPennine Express said: “We’re so proud of Oliver and the work he has been doing. The apprenticeship programme at TPE sees inspiring young people, such as Oliver, supporting us and gaining work experience across every area of the business, not to mention adding to their personal growth through the achievement of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. 

“We’re committed to connecting and reflecting the diverse communities we serve across the north of England and Scotland. Our values are central to this, especially being ‘supportive of each other’ and as an inclusive employer we value individuals’ contributions, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, social background, religion, or belief.”

Young people are able to register their interest in a TPE apprenticeship via the Early Careers Apprenticeships Talent Registration Page on the FirstGroup website. When vacancies become available, TPE will alert those that have registered and signpost them to the live vacancies through external promotions on social media campaigns.

For more information visit: www.firstgroupcareers.com/talentpool/interested-in-our-2022-transpennine-express-apprenticeship-opportunities/36/description