SWR apprentices at the station

Welcome aboard the South Western Railway Apprenticeship Scheme

Let us help you reach your career goals 

Help shape the future of rail travel and reach your career goals by joining the South Western Railway Apprenticeship Programme! We offer a range of apprenticeships to get you on the right track to a truly rewarding career.

SWR apprentices outside Basingstoke station

Why choose South Western Railway?

We’re extremely proud to be one of the UK’s leading railway operators, committed to delivering excellence in transportation services and improving quality of life by connecting people and communities.

It’s a really exciting time to work in the railway industry. At South Western Railway we’re working hard to continue to modernise and simplify the customer experience, create a cleaner, greener railway, transform train travel with a 90-strong fleet of Arterio trains, and much more!

Whether you're interested in engineering, customer service, operations, HR or management, our apprenticeship programme opens doors to various roles in this vibrant sector. Here’s what we have to offer.

Expert Training – Get industry-leading training from our highly experienced teammates. They’ll give you the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the railway sector.

A supportive environment - We focus relentlessly on our people, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support. You'll be part of a team that values your growth and development, making sure you have the resources and guidance to succeed.

A competitive salary - We value our apprentices and believe in fair compensation for your contribution. You'll receive a competitive salary while gaining hands-on experience.

On-the-job experience – You’ll get the chance to work with cutting-edge technology and real-world railway operations. This experience is invaluable for your career development.
SWR apprentices in the office

Our Apprenticeship Programmes

Some of our popular programmes include:

Engineering apprenticeships - Dive into the world of railway engineering, where you'll help to maintain and improve our trains and infrastructure.

Customer service apprenticeships - Learn the art of providing exceptional customer service and how to help make sure every passenger has a stellar journey.

Operations apprenticeships - Get hands-on experience in managing train services, timetables, and operations, ensuring a smooth and efficient railway network.

HR apprenticeships – Gain a deeper understanding of the role and function of a people professional, including the systems, tools and processes that contribute to meeting high quality standards.

Business Administration - Gain a unique blend of hands-on experience, expert mentorship and tailored coursework designed to equip you with the skills necessary to excel in the dynamic world of business administration. 

IT - At SWR, data management is critical and exciting role where you will be involved in the smooth organisation and control of live trains across the SWR network.

Finance - Embark on an exciting  journey to become a skilled payroll professional. Our programme offers comprehensive training in payroll processes, and software proficiency, ensuring accuracy, compliance and efficiency - essential for a successful career in payroll administration. 

Marketing Communications & PR -  This apprenticeship offers a hands-on, immersive experience in the heart of SWR’s communications department where you’ll be at the forefront of our mission to enhance the travel experience for millions of customers. 

Learn more about each job role, what look for, and what we offer you.

Applications for our 2024 apprenticeship roles are now closed, but please complete your details below to register your interest in the 2025 programme.

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