Northern Trains

Northern is a major train operator in the North of England that also delivers structured apprenticeship and training programmes for current and aspiring rail professionals. Through its dedicated training academies and early careers offer, Northern provides paid apprenticeships that combine on‑the‑job experience with formal study leading to recognised qualifications. Apprenticeships cover a range of operational and support functions including engineering, customer service, and control and operations roles, with programmes typically spanning from 15 months to three years and incorporating Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications where specified. Apprentices receive support from Operational Trainers, Apprentice Coaches and Quality Assurance Specialists, attend college regularly, and are allocated personal tutors to assess skills, set tailored assignments and guide professional development. Northern also runs team-based projects that involve station improvement work and engagement with local businesses, the public and local government, giving apprentices experience in project delivery and presenting outcomes to senior management. As an Ofsted-recognised ‘Main Provider’ of apprenticeships, Northern uses its training academies to support the learning and development of its own workforce as well as other rail and customer transport organisations, offering industry-focused training that is closely aligned to operational rail requirements.