A woman from Oldham is one of almost 20 apprentices currently with TransPennine Express.

This National Apprenticeship Week, the train operator has opened the door for future applicants to register their interest. 

Shannon Pilkington, from Springhead, is undertaking a two-year apprenticeship with the company, benefitting from learning the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to follow a career in the rail sector, while earning a wage at the same time.

The train operator has more than 105 apprentices and the 22-year-old is one of 19 young apprentices experiencing several different areas within the company, such as customer experience, train planning, engineering and major projects.

As part of their training, each apprentice is also working towards a professional qualification through a reputable training provider, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Shannon said: “I’m currently working as a customer information controller in the control team, a role that I have thoroughly enjoyed so far.

“A highlight of the apprenticeship scheme is the opportunity to learn different skills and build my knowledge to start my career on the railway.

“There are many different opportunities on the railway which I didn’t realise before starting the apprenticeship and I’m looking forward to experiencing more of them.”

Becky Titterington, talent and apprenticeship manager at TransPennine Express, said: “Our apprenticeship gives inspiring people from across the North and into Scotland, such as Shannon, the opportunity to experience working across some of the different and varied areas of the business, whilst adding to their personal growth through the achievement of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. 

“FirstGroup and TPE are committed to bringing talent into the business and the apprenticeship scheme plays a vital role in achieving that.

“Apprentices continue to be a fantastic asset to TPE, bringing a fresh perspective, questioning mind and passion to support our vision.”

According to the company, 87.5 per cent of TPE’s apprentices obtained a full-time position upon completion of their qualification last year.

People can register their interest in a TPE apprenticeship via the Early Careers Apprenticeships Talent Registration Page on the FirstGroup website.

When vacancies become available, those who have signed up will receive an alert signposting them to the live vacancies.