Around 200 apprentices have started work at Network Rail depots across Britain after completing their first year’s training at Europe’s largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. The apprentices specialise in track, signalling, telecoms and electrification and plant. Over the next two years they will work under supervision gaining vital experience as they train to become maintenance technicians. They will return to HMS Sultan for further courses and training throughout this time.

One of the apprentices, Jamie Mills (22), is from Bognor Regis and will be based at a depot in Brighton.

Jamie Mills, who will specialise in track maintenance, said: “I saw the apprenticeship scheme advertised and decided to apply. I like working with things and wanted to find out more. There are so many opportunities within Network Rail and I want to do well. I came to the assessment day on crutches after being hit by a car and was determined to pass. You can work towards great qualifications and I would recommend the apprenticeship scheme to anyone who was thinking of applying.”

Mac Andrade, Network Rail’s director of maintenance said: “Having a highly skilled and dedicated workforce will help us deliver a better maintained and performing railway, so welcoming yet another 200 apprentices into our depots is fantastic for us. Our experienced engineers and technicians will further their training on-the-job, teaching them all they need to know to become invaluable members of the Network Rail team.”