Supporting our apprentices

New apprenticeship development coaches appointed

This month, six apprenticeship development coaches will join the regions to provide support to Network Rail’s Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Scheme, with a further six due to start in September for the Level 2 Rail Infrastructure Operator Apprenticeship. The new roles were created to ensure Network Rail Training’s Apprenticeship Delivery Team has the resource needed to continue delivering an engaging experience that is entirely unique to our organisation.

Coaches have been assigned to cover specific regions and will be the first point of contact for apprentices and their line managers from the moment they begin their journey to the moment they graduate. Each coach is a subject matter expert and will offer guidance to apprentices, monitor their progress, provide progress reports for line managers, assist with progress reviews where necessary and ultimately act as a pillar of support. 

Matt Vale, apprenticeship development coach, said: 'I’m excited to join the Apprenticeship Delivery team and offer my support. Our apprenticeships are a big commitment but are also hugely rewarding, so apprenticeship development coaches like myself are equally committed to helping our apprentices reach their potential. It’s all about making a difference for the future of our railway.'

Jyoti Jassi, apprenticeship delivery manager, said: 'A link between the Apprenticeship Delivery team, the training provider Babcock, the apprentice and their line managers is going to be vital to create that really exceptional and positive experience for all involved. I’m excited to see the benefits unfold in the coming months.'

Richard Turner, head of apprenticeship delivery, said: 'Apprentices are the future of Network Rail, so it’s important that we do all we can to nurture their talents. That relies on building a strong, three-way relationship between apprentice, local management teams and training. The coaches are there to do just that, and in time will form a large and experienced support network across the company to help apprentices thrive.'