Gold Standard on Track: West Midlands Railway Tops Class for Apprenticeships

West Midlands Railway (WMR) has set a new benchmark in skills development after becoming the first train operator to achieve gold accreditation for its engineering apprenticeship scheme.

The operator has been awarded ‘Excellent Employer’ status following a rigorous 12-month assessment led by Next Gen Makers, which evaluates training quality based on direct feedback from apprentices themselves.

Investing in future talent

Delivered in partnership with Birmingham Metropolitan College, WMR’s four-year, salaried apprenticeship programme blends hands-on depot experience with structured classroom learning—equipping participants with both mechanical and electrical rail expertise.

Currently, 16 apprentices are enrolled on the scheme, most of whom are based at Tyseley depot in south Birmingham. The recognition comes on the back of a £70 million upgrade to the depot, completed in October 2025, which has significantly enhanced training facilities and equipment.

Leading by example

John Doughty, Engineering Director at West Midlands Railway, said the accreditation reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of rail professionals.

He highlighted the importance of high-quality training in launching careers, noting his own journey began as an apprentice—making the achievement particularly meaningful.

Raising the bar

The gold status places WMR at the forefront of apprenticeship excellence in the rail sector, demonstrating how investment in people and infrastructure can go hand in hand.