Celebrating The Journey: How LNER Apprenticeships Have Led To New Careers

As National Apprenticeship Week approaches, Apprentice Driver Aleena’s story is one of three being shared as LNER celebrates the many journeys on offer when it comes to apprenticeships.

More than one hundred apprentices are learning and working across its 956-mile route in roles that include keeping customers safe, driving trains and developing technology.

Among them is Phil Banks, a former police officer who has come from walking the beat to working onboard as an Apprentice Train Manager. Digital Apprentice Libby Whitehorn is also sharing her experience after swapping the world of social media to work on projects that will make travel even simpler for customers. Their stories are shared in a special short film which highlights some of the apprenticeship opportunities in the rail industry.

Aleena Phull, a former makeup artist – turned - Apprentice Train Driver, joined LNER in a search for stability after being self-employed. Aleena said: “I found my way through working on the ticket gates, to dispatching trains, and eventually I wanted to push myself to do something else. I definitely recommend an apprenticeship. LNER makes sure you are well prepared. I’ll head out on my first solo drive in October once I qualify and I’m very excited.”

Phil Banks worked as a Police Officer for 26 years before he decided it was time to explore something new, turning his attention from the streets of the North East to train aisles across the country. Apprentice Train Manager, Phil, said: “It is a bit unusual being an apprentice at my age and I have laughed about this because I’ve got two adult kids who are both doing apprenticeships, so now there’s three of us in the household and I am the oldest apprentice in town.”

Phil’s role as an Apprentice Train Manager takes him up and down the East Coast Mainline overseeing onboard services to ensure customers have a safe and enjoyable journey. This often involves skills from his previous role: “There are lots of transferable skills from the police, being able to speak to people is one of the main ones. I love being out and about mingling with people, I know it’s on a train going backwards and forwards, but I meet new people every day.”

Libby Whitehorn started helping customers on social channels but found an apprenticeship in digital after developing an interest in making technology easier for travellers. Libby said: “I’m not a newbie to LNER. I spent two years working in social. I always had an interest in graphics and creating a seamless experience for customers and this apprenticeship is a great opportunity to learn all about this."

Libby travels across the LNER route to ask customers and colleagues for feedback as she and her colleagues are always looking at new ways of further enhancing customer experience. Libby added: "I never thought I’d see myself back in education, but going through this apprenticeship there’s a wide range of people of different ages and different levels of experience so it’s great to see that diversity, and it’s really rewarding.”

Paula Bullock, People Director at LNER, said: “Apprenticeships at LNER are a unique opportunity for people to develop new skills, progress, and explore a different role or completely new industry, whether that’s in their first year of work or later in their careers. We’re proud to offer a range of apprenticeships across our business and encourage anyone to look at the variety of opportunities we offer.”

National Apprenticeship Week runs from Monday 10 February 2025 to Sunday 16 February 2025. Further information about LNER apprenticeships can be found here.