RIA celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

On the first day of The National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2023, the Railway Industry Association (RIA) is celebrating the contribution of apprentices to the rail industry.

This comes as HS2 launches its biggest ever apprenticeship recruitment drive, with 300 apprenticeship jobs confirmed today.

NAW 2023 brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make.

RIA’s EDI & Skills Lead, Isabella Lawson, said:

“Apprentices contribute a huge amount to the railway industry, and it is right that we celebrate the value that they bring not just to rail employers and individuals, but also to the wider economy.

“There has never been a better time to become an apprentice working in the rail industry, with countless opportunities to access a brilliant career in the sector. It is clear that the industry needs more apprentices, with NSAR estimating that 5,000 apprentices per year are needed to address skills shortages.

“We particularly welcome the launch of HS2’s most ambitious apprenticeship recruitment drive to date. HS2 has already welcomed over 1,000 apprentices over the last few years, and today’s announcement of 300 new apprentices this week demonstrates a real commitment to bringing in fresh talent to the industry". 

Notes to Editors

1. About RIA: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. RIA has 300+ companies in membership in a sector that contributes £43 billion in economic growth and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 710,000 people. It is also a vital industry for the UK’s economic recovery, supporting green investment and jobs in towns and communities across the UK; for every £1 spent in rail, £2.50 is generated in the wider economy. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). www.riagb.org.uk