Press release -
West Midlands Railway becomes first UK train operator to strike gold with apprenticeship accreditation
West Midlands Railway (WMR) has achieved ‘Excellent Employer’ status for its industry-leading engineering apprenticeship scheme, becoming the first train operator to reach gold accreditation.
The 12-month assessment, led by Next Gen Makers, bases results on feedback from existing apprentices to identify companies which deliver outstanding training opportunities.
Provided in partnership with Birmingham Metropolitan College, WMR’s four-year salaried engineering apprenticeship scheme blends practical and classroom learning. The company’s 16 apprentices carry out most of their course from its main depot in Tyseley, south Birmingham, where they learn to service mechanical and electrical systems used across the modern rail industry, providing skills for life.
The achievement follows WMR’s recent £70million investment in upgrades at Tyseley including extending the main shed, improving inspection facilities and installing new train lifting equipment, which was completed in October 2025.
John Doughty, engineering director at WMR, said: “This accreditation recognises our commitment to offering high quality training, so we can develop the next generation of rail talent and help young people launch their career with us.
“I started my career as an apprentice, so I know how valuable these opportunities are, and I am so proud that our team has achieved this gold standard.”
Mike Townsend, deputy director for business development at BMet, said: “We would like to offer our warmest congratulations to West Midlands Railway on becoming the first train operator in the UK to achieve gold ‘Excellent Employer’ status for their engineering apprenticeship scheme. This is a fantastic achievement and a well-deserved recognition of WMR’s dedication to supporting early careers talent and raising standards across the industry.
“At BMet, we are proud to support West Midlands Railway with a tailored, industry-standard apprenticeship programme in Rail Engineering. By working together, we are helping to future-proof the region’s talent supply chain and provide high-quality opportunities for the next generation of rail engineers.”
To find out more about apprenticeships with WMR, visit: https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/about-us/careers/apprenticeships
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About London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway
For further information on this release, email press.office@wmtrains.co.uk
- London Northwestern Railway services operate between Liverpool and Birmingham, and on the West Coast Main Line to and from London Euston.
- West Midlands Railway services operate to destinations across the West Midlands via Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill.
For more information on these services visit westmidlandsrailway.co.uk or londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk
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