Network Rail Apprentices Take on Army Challenge During National Apprenticeship Week

Apprentices from Network Rail stepped away from the railway to take part in a military-led team-building challenge in York as part of National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February).

The Ultimate Apprentice Military Challenge was hosted at Worsley Barracks by the British Army’s Headquarters North and the 4th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment (4RYORKS), with support from the Yorkshire and Humber Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network (YHAAN).

Nearly 50 apprentices attended the event, including several from Network Rail. The day was designed to test participants’ teamwork, resilience and leadership skills in a demanding but enjoyable environment. Apprentices fully embraced the military-themed experience, wearing Army uniforms, applying camouflage face paint and even sampling ration packs.

The challenge formed part of National Apprenticeship Week, which celebrates the wide-ranging career pathways available through apprenticeships. Over the past year, Network Rail has recruited 290 new apprentices. This contributes to a broader investment in skills development, with 1,780 apprentices joining the organisation over the last five years.

Chloe Draper, 21, a project management apprentice at Network Rail, explained that her role involves supporting project teams with planning and coordination, as well as assisting with daily delivery tasks. She recently led the close-out phase of a project — an opportunity she described as both challenging and rewarding.

Reflecting on the military event, Chloe said the experience pushed her beyond her comfort zone, encouraging collaboration and strengthening her teamwork and resilience — skills she believes will benefit her career.

Fellow apprentice project manager Isobel Byrne described the training day as highly worthwhile, offering a chance to discover new strengths and approach challenges from fresh perspectives. She highlighted the range of team-based activities focused on communication, leadership and problem-solving, and said she would recommend the experience to others interested in personal development.

Network Rail’s apprenticeship programmes span engineering, business, IT and finance, offering practical experience alongside formal learning. Participants earn while they train, building the expertise required to help maintain a safe and dependable railway network that connects communities across Britain.

Richard Turner, Network Rail’s Head of Apprenticeships, said apprentices are essential to the safe and reliable operation of Britain’s railways. He added that the organisation is proud to welcome nearly 300 new apprentices this year and remains committed to nurturing future STEM talent while building a skilled and diverse workforce for the industry.