Great Western Railway – Celebrating 10 years in partnership
This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating 10 years since Great Western Railway (GWR) first started offering its apprentices the opportunity to achieve a Gold DofE Award through our DofE Business programme – supporting their young staff as they navigate the transition from education to employment.
To mark the milestone, Great Western Railway operated a train from London Paddington crewed by current and former GWR apprentices. They were joined by DofE Youth Ambassadors as the service called at 10 stations, symbolising the 10-year partnership, before arriving at Exeter St David’s.
Today’s apprentice train was masterminded by Sophie Carter, a Great Western Railway Aspire Driver Manager Apprentice and Gold DofE Award holder.
DofE Business was developed to bring the benefits of achieving a DofE Award to the workplace. Since 2015, more than 80 Great Western Railway apprentices have successfully completed a Gold DofE Award through the DofE Business programme. A further 82 are currently participating, with another group of nine starting in March.
Alex McDowell, Director of Fundraising, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said:
“We’re delighted to celebrate 10 years in partnership with Great Western Railway. As a committed supporter, GWR recognises the value of doing a DofE programme. Their support has enabled thousands of marginalised young people to access the DofE and improve their skills, wellbeing and community ties.
“Over the last decade, more than 80 GWR apprentices have achieved their Gold Award through DofE Business, and it’s amazing to see the impact Award holders – many of whom staffed today’s train – have had in the organisation. GWR’s young workforce has gone above and beyond in their DofE journeys – volunteering in their communities, fostering their network and developing essential skills like leadership, teamworking and confidence, to support their career development.”
A huge thanks to Great Western Railway for their support over the last ten years!
Find out more about incorporating DofE Business into an early careers development programme, or email [email protected].
