Welcome on-board! 14 new apprentices and three graduates join the TransPennine Express team

Based across the North, 14 new apprentices have begun a two-year scheme where they will “earn while they learn” and gain the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in the rail sector. 

The apprentices will take up a range of positions across the business, including Major Projects, Service Planning and Human Resources whilst studying for a professional qualification, which will be delivered by The Manchester College. The apprentices will also work towards a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. 

Alongside the apprentices, three Rail Operative Graduates, Alicja Zdobylak, Hugh Thomas and Sam Gillespie also joined TransPennine Express. Alicja said: “I am very pleased to be given the opportunity to join the graduate scheme. I am looking forward to getting stuck in and providing value to our customers. I studied Air Transport and Logistic Management at Huddersfield and I cannot wait to put my studies into practise with TPE.”

Nicola Buckley, Head of Human Resources at TPE said: “I’m delighted that we are able to provide this fantastic opportunity to a new cohort of apprentices at TPE. It was a real pleasure to welcome them as they begin their two-year scheme.  The apprenticeship programme at TPE will see these inspiring young people supporting us and gaining work experience across every area of the business and will also support their personal growth through the achievement of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award scheme.  The railway is a great place to work, and we are very fortunate to be able to be actively recruit new talent to support our growing business, particularly following the challenges that we have all faced throughout the pandemic. We are also pleased to welcome three new colleagues into our two-year Graduate scheme.  The graduates will have the opportunity to get involved and influence key business activity at a very exciting and critical point in our history as we drive forward with the delivery of the TransPennine Route Upgrade programme.” 

The new addictions to TransPennine Express had the opportunity to meet each other in person, be welcomed to the team and engage in training exercises during a weeklong induction hosted at Macdonald Hotel Manchester. 

Becky Jones, Talent and Apprenticeship Manager at TPE said: “The apprenticeship induction has really set the tone for the coming two years. We have a brilliant group of young talent joining us on the scheme this year, working in a variety of areas across the business from Service Planning to Finance. I am delighted to have the opportunity of overseeing the apprenticeship programme and ensuring this is an opportunity that benefits each apprentice, allowing them to grow not only in their roles, but also as individuals, whilst supporting them in the first steps in their career. This is an exciting time to work at TransPennine and I wish all our new apprentices the best of luck!”

Sammayyah Ahmen, Human Resources Apprentice, commented: “I’m excited to start my apprentice journey with TPE and look forward to a career within HR. It feels good to represent women in rail!”]

Zack Hallan, Customer Service Apprentice, commented: “I’m thrilled to be a part of a company I can feel proud to work for. The inclusivity and diversity that TPE offers really stood out to me and attracted me towards them as a company when first applying.”

Kieran Jarvis, Major Project Apprentice, commented: “This apprenticeship is a great opportunity and opens a lot of doors to other roles within TPE within the future.”]