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 […]
Category: People
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 […]
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 […]
Eurotunnel fined £2.25m for health and safety failings which resulted in serious injuries to an engineering surveyor
The Channel Tunnel Group Limited (CTGL also known as Eurotunnel) has today been fined £2.25 million after pleading guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which followed an investigation and prosecution by industry regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The incident involving an engineering surveyor, happened […]
North East legend enjoys grand day out at Weardale Railway
Bob Young OBE, honorary president of Newcastle United, marked his 80th birthday year by taking the controls of a Sentinel locomotive at Weardale Railway in Stanhope, County Durham. The visit formed part of a driver experience day hosted by the heritage railway, with Bob joined in the cab by Wayne Dixon, Technical Advisor, and accompanied […]
Office of Rail and Road announces Interim Chief Executive
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has today announced interim leadership arrangements ahead of the departure of its current Chief Executive, John Larkinson, later in April. Following consideration by the ORR Board, Feras Alshaker, currently Director of Planning and Performance, has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive with effect from Monday 27 April. In […]
Rail sector and British Transport Police outline new strategy to combat violence and harassment targeting women and girls
New measures to tackle violence and intimidation against women and girls (VIAWG) on the railway have been launched by the rail industry and British Transport Police (BTP). Over the next two years, the rail industry has committed to use greater resources and enforcement measures as part of renewed commitments to ensure that all our customers and staff feel safe on Britain’s […]
Siemens Renews Samaritans Partnership with £38,000 Boost for UK Mental Health Support
Siemens Mobility has announced the extension of its partnership with Samaritans, the charity dedicated to providing confidential emotional support to anyone in distress or at risk of suicide, after significant engagement and fundraising efforts across the business. This builds on their initial partnership launched in January 2025, when Samaritans was selected as Siemens Mobility’s national […]
Siemens Renews Samaritans Partnership with £38,000 Boost for UK Mental Health Support
Siemens Mobility has announced the extension of its partnership with Samaritans, the charity dedicated to providing confidential emotional support to anyone in distress or at risk of suicide, after significant engagement and fundraising efforts across the business. This builds on their initial partnership launched in January 2025, when Samaritans was selected as Siemens Mobility’s national […]
One of Metro’s longest serving drivers retires after 40 years
One of the Tyne and Wear Metro’s longest serving drivers has retired after 40 years in the role. Brian Bulmer, 67, of Hebburn in South Tyneside, has bid an emotional farewell to his colleagues, a job he has “absolutely loved”, and to his many thousands of customers. Brian started driving Metros in 1986 and described […]