Network Rail's award winning advanced apprenticeship scheme has taken on 201 apprentices across Britain this month after receiving a staggering 4150 applications.

The trainees have begun a three-year programme to become skilled maintenance engineering technicians.

The apprentices will spend a year training alongside the Royal Navy at Europe's largest engineering training facility at HMS Sultan in Hampshire. Here they will learn both the technical skills required to work on the railway as well as attending leadership courses. They will continue their training for two further years on-the-job at depots across the country, returning to HMS Sultan for additional courses and learning. The apprentices specialise in track, signalling and telecoms, electrification and plant, property works and mechanical locking.

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Steve Featherstone, Director of Infrastructure Maintenance at Network Rail said: "Britain relies on rail so it is vital to invest in our people and our future with apprenticeships. We're training the next generation of specialists with the latest technology to deliver this success in a modern, efficient way – it’s a career that brings great value to Britain. The scheme underlines Network Rail's commitment to deliver a bigger, better-value railway with skilled and committed people."

Lettie Todd, a 2nd year, 20-year-old Network Rail property works apprentice based in one of Britain's busiest stations, London's Liverpool Street, commented on what she likes best about the scheme: "It is hard to pick just one thing, there is so much going on and to get involved with. The practical learning aspect of the course is great because it provides a hands-on experience which prepares you for the working environment of the depots. There are also lots of different sporting activities to take part in from football to ju-jitsu. However, it's the people you meet that really do make the apprenticeship scheme a hugely enjoyable experience."

(CD)