Southeastern's apprenticeship programme has been awarded the Gold Standard by respected workplace performance assessors, Investors in People. The train operator is now one of only three large employers in the country to hold gold in three areas of assessment. We Invest in Apprentices, We Invest in Wellbeing, and We Invest in People.
The overall experience of apprentices has been rated as exceptional, with high satisfaction rates and a strong commitment to the programme throughout the organisation.
Leading the team is Southeastern's Apprenticeship Manager Sarah Jones, she said:
“We are really thrilled to achieve this Gold. It is a welcome recognition of the dedication and perseverance of both our apprentices, the Apprenticeship team and reflects the support of line managers. To also be listed in the top 100 Apprenticeship Employers really underlines our commitment to developing our people."
Southeastern Trainee Driver Joshua Pollock, who is based at Ramsgate, added:
"The help and support available during the apprenticeship is brilliant, and I would encourage anyone to apply for a role at Southeastern. The rewards are fantastic
"Being on the apprenticeship programme allows me to gain a professional qualification as well as improving my functional skills in English, Maths and ICT."
The company has 380 apprentices on programmes with another 50 set to join in September. Find out more about working at Southeastern: Careers | Southeastern (southeasternrailway.co.uk)
Notes to Editors
The robust assessment involved a survey of apprentices and interviews with 26 members of the apprentice workforce, line managers, and key individuals in the learning and development team. Extensive written evidence, including the strategic business case and apprenticeship strategy, was also reviewed.
Feedback from Investors in People recognised that Southeastern:
- Offers structured support that all apprentices benefit from, including guidance from providers, mentors, and line managers
- Ensures successful integration of on-the-job and off-the-job elements for apprentices
- Actively seeks feedback to continuously improve all programmes
- Have a clear strategy for apprenticeships that aligns with business goals, providing invaluable skills and clear career pathways
- Continually improve communication and engagement to ensure everyone is aware of the opportunities available
- Has partnerships and collaborations with training providers and partners which were deemed excellent
- Was recognised for the proactive approach and commitment, highlighting the Apprenticeship Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Coaches, Mentors, and Tutors.
Southeastern is listed at number 68 in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, which celebrates England’s outstanding apprenticeship employers in 2023, recognising commitment to creating new apprenticeships, the diversity of their apprentices, and the number of apprentices who successfully achieve their apprenticeships. The rankings are produced annually by the Department for Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers.
