Southeastern has been awarded Platinum membership by The 5% Club for its work championing workplace learning and skills development.
The award recognises Southeastern’s commitment to creating opportunities for people to earn and learn through apprenticeships and graduate schemes, with 10% of staff currently undertaking these qualifications – helping young people build careers in the rail industry.
This follows Southeastern’s placement at 24 in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for 2025, up 34 places on the previous year and the highest placed transport or rail company.
Earlier this year the train company also unveiled Connect 38 - its new careers and skills hub near Ashford Railway station.
Sarah Jones, Southeastern’s Apprenticeship Manager, said:
“We work hard to create a range of opportunities for both existing staff and young people looking to begin a career in the railway and we pride ourselves on offering a broad range of apprenticeships, from covering subjects such as onboard, train driving, engineering and management development.”
"Apprenticeships are great option for anyone at any point in their career, to help them take that next step or change into a new role. Our colleagues and our customers feel the benefit of our dedication to continued learning and improvement."
“This recognition shows how committed we are to developing talent and building a skilled workforce that keeps our region moving.”
The 5% Club works with employers across the UK to boost youth employment and close skills gaps. Southeastern joins more than 1,200 organisations supporting over two million employees, with 121,000 in structured learning programmes.
This year’s award comes after Southeastern achieved Gold membership for three years running.
Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive at The 5% Club, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the outstanding employers, like Southeastern who continue to raise the bar for workplace learning. Their dedication to creating rich and varied 'earn and learn' opportunities sets a remarkable example.
“By achieving Platinum membership, Southeastern has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to investing in people — shaping the skills of tomorrow and driving lasting impact for both business and society.”
For more information about careers at Southeastern, click here.
