The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that thousands of jobs and apprenticeships will be made available to those between 18 and 20 years old as early as December 2025.
DfT reportedly made this decision because the average train driver is 48 years old and rising, with 30% due to reach retirement age by 2029.
In a profession that is less than 9% female and less than 12% represented by ethnic minorities, DfT hopes that these schemes will open professional opportunities to a much wider group of people.
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DfT also stated that the apprenticeships will help support the launch of Great British Railways with the new rail watchdog, once up and running, helping to improve rail journeys in the UK.
UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “We’re taking bold action to improve train services and unlock thousands of jobs.
“We’re committed to getting the economy moving and a big part of that is getting young people into the workforce, putting them on track for a skilled and fulfilling career, which will boost growth across the country and help deliver our Plan for Change.
“We’re future-proofing our railways against delays and cancellations caused by a shortage of drivers, ensuring that we can provide reliable, passenger focused train journeys under Great British Railways for decades to come.”
Achievements in rail will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
