SWR have launched their apprenticeship openings for 2026.

[Boalbads]

Moderator note: Split from

SWR Class 458 to be retained

Mod - Please note some posts copied from the 442 withdrawal discussion thread. 442s apparently are permanently withdrawn with 458s being reconfigured to 100mph 4 car units... or that’s what the rumour mill says.

www.railforums.co.uk

Fleet planning does seem like something I might try to get an apprenticeship in - it is interesting, but i'm not sure if I will be able to get an apprenticeship. (personal reasons)

 

[pompeyfan]

Interesting, fleet planning does seem like something I might try get an apprenticeship in - it is interesting but i'm not sure if I will be able to get an apprenticeship. (personal reasons)

Just for your reference you’d be looking for LTP / STP rolling stock clerk, fleet planning manager within SWR is a different role.

 

[WarrenTManager]

Interesting, fleet planning does seem like something I might try get an apprenticeship in - it is interesting but i'm not sure if I will be able to get an apprenticeship. (personal reasons)

Apologies for the slight deviation on this thread, but SWR have launched their apprenticeship openings for 2026.

Including Train Planning and Fleet Planning. Plus lots of other disciplines. Some are 18+ for Graduate Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship Scheme | South Western Railway

Help shape the future of rail travel and reach your career goals by joining the South Western Railway Apprenticeship Programme.

www.southwesternrailway.com

What apprenticeship programmes do we offer?​

Young Talent Rail Apprenticeship​

For those that are 16 – 18 years old.
These are typically Level 2 or 3 apprenticeships.

Leadership Rail Apprenticeship​

For those that are over 18 years old.
These are typically Level 3 or 4 apprenticeships.

Engineering Apprenticeship​

For those that are over 18 years old.
This is working towards achieving the Level 3 Maintenance Operations Engineering

Applications for our 2026 apprenticeship roles are now OPEN, and will be closing 31st October 2025. Follow us on Instagram: we_are_SWR to keep up to date and find out more information about our apprenticeship programmes.

Please note you will need to be aged 16–18 on 1 September 2026 to be considered for this opportunity.
Closes 31/10/2025.

Have a spy

 

[LUYMun]

Pretty daft to restrict certain apprenticeships to 16-18 ages only when a greater pool of people who seek a career in the rail industry (myself included) would be willing to go via any entry paths for these pretty lucrative roles like Rail Technicians or Train Planning. But hey ho, much like in any industry that’s recruitment for you.

 

[moley]

No, it’s the government changing the rules about how Apprenticeship funding can be used. It’s supposed to safeguard the funding for school leavers but just restricts opportunities for others.

 

[Nym]

Restricting to 16-18 means you can pay them less, a lot less...!