East Midlands Railway

East Midlands Railway is a UK train operating company that also delivers apprenticeship training as a main provider, supporting both employers and individual learners. Its apprenticeship offer focuses on operational rail roles, including Level 3 Train Driver and Level 2 Passenger Transport Operative apprenticeships, as well as a four‑year Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician (Traction and Rolling Stock) programme for Fleet Engineer Apprentices. Apprenticeships combine classroom-based learning at EMR’s Training Academy in Derby with extensive practical, on-the-job experience in depots such as Derby Etches Park and Nottingham Eastcroft. The Training Academy provides world‑class facilities including virtual reality (VR) environments that replicate real-life railway scenarios, mission-room immersive technology for Personal Track Safety and scenario training, and cab simulators for train-driving skills development. As main provider, EMR manages the full learner journey from enrolment through on‑programme theory, skills and behaviours development, to preparation for End Point Assessment. Professionally qualified trainers support apprentices in building competence for progression into roles such as Senior Team Member, mainline driver, driver mentor or management positions. EMR positions apprenticeships as a route to gain recognised qualifications while earning a salary and working for an employer that promotes diversity, inclusion and long‑term career development in the rail industry.