LNER colleagues are sharing how apprenticeships have shaped their careers, in a celebration of their skills and contributions as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
‘Skills for Life’ is one of the themes for 2026, as businesses come together with current and former apprentices in a week-long celebration of the positive impact of apprenticeships on individuals and businesses alike.
Among those sharing their story about the opportunities in the rail industry is engineer, Alexander Stark, who features alongside colleagues in a special short film created to mark Apprenticeship Week.
After making a positive impression on his rail engineer degree apprenticeship, Alexander was promoted to Production Support Engineer, working on the LNER InterCity 225 fleet: “Ever since I started my apprenticeship, working on the 225s was one of my goals from an engineering point of view.
“It has been such a great opportunity to learn from a really experienced team, and it has prepared me for working with different departments in high-pressure environments.”
During the 2024-2025 period, more than one hundred of LNER’s workforce started an apprenticeship, including 31 train managers, 38 drivers, and 33 other roles.
Having started out at LNER working onboard as a Customer Experience Host, Karra Davis took the next step in her career through the Train Manager apprenticeship. Now that she’s fully qualified, Karra said: “There’s so much responsibility that comes with being a Train Manager, but I was so excited to get started after my training. Everyone was so supportive, and it’s nice that I’m now in a position where I can help support newer Train Managers!”
Train Managers like Karra complete a nine-month apprenticeship programme at LNER, building their skills through classroom training, mentoring and assessments.
Laura Copley, who is still training as an Apprentice Train Manager, says the strong support network around her has helped her. Laura added: “My line manager, trainer, and so many other Train Managers have all been there for me every step of the way, making it easy to grow and learn with them. My daily routine has changed so much, but I’ve proved to myself that I can do it.”
Olivia Richardson joined LNER onboard as a Customer Experience Host, before starting an office-based Safety and Operations Apprenticeship. Five years on, as Track and Station Partnership Manager, Olivia said: “My apprenticeship with LNER gave me loads of skills, which really helped my career progression and changed who I am as a person.
“All the support and opportunities to meet different professionals in the safety and operations team built my confidence and gave me the technical skills I still use in my everyday professional role.”
LNER also offers development opportunities for colleagues in leadership roles. Kemar Gilbert is undertaking a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship alongside his role as Head of Resourcing. Kemar said: “An apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity to be able to work and learn at the same time, so you can apply that knowledge in the workplace every day as you pick up new skills.
“If you’re interested in doing any apprenticeship in rail, I’d say go for it – we’re never the finished article!”
Speaking of the opportunities available, Adam Smallwood, Apprentice Programme Manager at LNER said: “The apprenticeships on offer at LNER provide unique opportunities across all areas of the business for people to develop ‘Skills for Life’. Supporting our apprentices take the next steps in their careers is a great source of pride, and we would encourage anyone to consider a career in rail.”
National Apprenticeship Week runs from Monday 9 February 2026, to Sunday 15 February 2026. Further information about apprenticeships at LNER can be found here: https://www.lnerjobs.co.uk/jobs/apprenticeships/
Image credit: LNER
