MTR Crossrail held an event with rail industry partners to celebrate a big milestone on Wednesday, February 7, with its 200th trainee joining the Train Driver Apprenticeship Programme.
The 18-month apprenticeship, which was introduced by MTR Crossrail in February 2016, runs alongside the Train Operating Company’s normal Train Driver Programme and offers
additional skills and a qualification to those who opt in.
The programme has been delivered through a partnership with training provider, Train’d Up, who provide assessors, functional skills tutors and undertake quality assurance to ensure
the programme delivers candidates who are taught to a high industry standard.
MTR Crossrail has led the way in the rail industry as the first train operating company included on the register of apprenticeship training providers (RoATP) and approved to deliver
apprenticeship training to employees through the ‘employer provider’ route.
Those at the special event not only recognised the 200th driver to join the industry-leading initiative but also celebrated with a group of the first candidates to receive their qualifications
following completion of the apprenticeship.
Celebrating success: The first group of MTR Crossrail Driver Apprentices receive their qualifications.
Partnership has been key to achieving this level of success through close working with Train’d Up, Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and ASLEF, the train drivers’ union,
who have offered great support through a dedicated union learning representative.
MTR Crossrail Managing Director, Steve Murphy, was pleased to see so many people supporting such an important milestone and reiterated the key partnerships within the industry.
“In a project where there are so many exciting developments, it’s really important to recognise the fantastic achievements of our people and the training and development that goes into
successfully running a railway. The Trainee Train Driver Apprenticeship has been a great success and celebrating the 200th driver today is special. There really are so many talented
individuals joining the railway for the future.
“The support of our friends at Train’d Up, ESFA and ASLEF has been fantastic and much appreciated and we look forward to continuing our relationships moving forward.”
Tags: Trains, Crossrail, TfL
