Readiness & Resilience Leadership Apprentice

South Western News UK; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional railway company is offering an exciting apprenticeship that involves supporting readiness and resilience efforts. The role includes participating in major event preparations, assisting during times of crisis, and working closely with teams. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, a desire to pursue a career in the railway industry, and must be flexible to cover varying shifts.

Benefits

Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services

75% discount on other train operating companies

Excellent pension scheme

Qualifications

• Desire to pursue a career in the railway industry.
• Be willing to go through security vetting.

Responsibilities

• Support SWR/NR Wessex readiness for major events.
• Assist the function during crises.
• Attend industry meetings for representation.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

IT skills

Flexibility

Collaborative work

Education

Predicted or achieved Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills

Job description

Overview

For this apprenticeship, you will need to be aged 18+ years on the 1st September 2026.

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

About the job

An exciting and unique cross-industry development opportunity within the trial Joint Readiness & Resilience team that is in place across South Western Railway and Network Rail's Wessex Route. This role will support the enhancement of SWR's and NR Wessex's continued readiness and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Support whole SWR/NR Wessex readiness for major events
• Assist the development of the SWR/NR Wessex testing and exercise regime
• Assist the function as required in times of crisis, e.g. by acting as a trained loggist within the Crisis Management Team.
• Ensure actions are properly documented and updated
• Attend industry meetings as required to ensure Readiness & Resilience representation
• Support with the production of various operational and resilience documentation
• Assist with lessons learned activity post major events
• Support command and control for pre planned events, e.g. as a “command team advisor”

Role specific development

In addition to an excellent Apprentice Development Programme, the post holder will also be provided with role specific training and development, e.g. accredited training with the Business Continuity Institute.

What you'll need to have

• A desire to pursue a career in the railway industry.
• Flexibility – this apprenticeship may involve early or late shifts and travel to other areas on our network.
• Excellent communication, with the ability to motivate others
• Great interpersonal skills to support building up own understanding of the structure of SWR and NR Wessex.
• An ability to work collaboratively within the joint Readiness & Resilience team
• Highly organised
• Excellent IT skills
• An ability to challenge constructively
• Be willing to go through security vetting

For noting, this role is for employment as an SWR colleague but for joint working across NR Wessex and SWR.

Desirable

• Predicted or achieved Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths, or Level 2 Functional Skills.

About the location

South Western Railway's HQ is based on the 4th Floor at South Bank Central, a stone's throw from the River Thames and a 10 minute walk from our busiest station, Waterloo. It is local to many well-known attractions, restaurants and retail facilities and is easily accessible by public transport.

Working pattern

Working an average of 37 hours per week.

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent. We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, please share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

Note: this is employment as an SWR colleague but for joint working across NR Wessex and SWR.