Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: Meet the local apprentice who is making a difference at TransPennine Express
Zack Hallam from Manchester is one of several apprentices who is currently earning while learning at TransPennine Express (TPE) and this National Apprenticeship Week, the train operator has opened the door for future applicants to register their interest.
Zack Hallam, 21, is currently undertaking a two-year apprenticeship with the company, benefitting from learning the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to follow a career in the rail sector, while earning a wage at the same time.
The train operator has more than 105 apprentices and Zack is one of nineteen young apprentices experiencing several different areas within the company, such as customer experience, train planning, engineering and major projects. As part of their training, each apprentice is also working towards a professional qualification through a reputable training provider, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
Zack Hallam said: “I’m currently working as trainee conductor and so far, it’s been an incredible opportunity to gain skills whilst developing a qualification, I’ve enjoyed every second of it.
“The apprenticeship scheme has exceeded my expectations, it's nothing like I could ever imagine, from week one it was amazing and the opportunities I have been given have been fantastic, I would highly recommend applying for an apprenticeship to anyone who wants to get into the rail industry.”
Becky Titterington, Talent and Apprenticeship Manager at TransPennine Express said: “Our apprenticeship gives inspiring people from across the North and into Scotland, such as Zack, the opportunity to experience working across some of the different and varied areas of the business, whilst adding to their personal growth through the achievement of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
“FirstGroup and TPE are committed to bringing talent into the business and the apprenticeship scheme plays a vital role in achieving that. Apprentices continue to be a fantastic asset to TPE, bringing a fresh perspective, questioning mind and passion to support our vision.”
Last year 87.5% of TPE’s apprentices obtained a full-time position upon completion of their qualification.
Leah Brook is one of those individuals who has gone on to secure a full-time position within TPE. Leah, now a Customer Information Assistant said: “The apprenticeship scheme is a unique opportunity and one that can be extremely rewarding, as I found out.
“Learning about different aspects of the business gave me an opportunity to grow my skill set all whilst earning a wage at the same time, the hard work paid off too and I’m delighted to now work in a full-time role at TPE.”
People can register their interest in a TPE apprenticeship via the Early Careers Apprenticeships Talent Registration Page on the FirstGroup website. When vacancies become available, those who have signed up will receive an alert signposting them to the live vacancies.