Train Planning Apprentice

South Western News UK; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major railway operator in London is offering a Train Planning apprenticeship. The role involves supporting timetable compilation and gaining experience in train planning. Ideal candidates will be aged 16–18 by 1 September 2026, demonstrate teamwork, and have a good working knowledge of IT systems. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits including free travel on services.

Benefits

Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services

75% discount on other train companies

Full training and support

Excellent pension scheme

Qualifications

• Aged 16–18 on 1 September 2026.
• GCSE grade 4 / C in English and Maths or equivalent.
• Capability to ensure high accuracy and quality.

Responsibilities

• Support the Train Planning team in timetable compilation.
• Gaining experience in train planning processes.
• Applying knowledge and skills from apprenticeship learning.

Skills

Good working knowledge of IT systems

Team player with a 'can-do' attitude

Attention to detail

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Collaborative working skills

Education

GCSE grade 4 /C or above in English and Maths

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Overview

Please note you will need to be aged 16–18 on 1 September 2026 to be considered for this opportunity.

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

The purposes of the Apprenticeship programme is to allow the apprentice to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of Train Planning activities and specialisms.

Your main responsibilities

If you love problem-solving and have an analytical mind with a good geographic knowledge, a career in Train Planning could be perfect for you. In the Train Planning function, you will be putting into practice the knowledge, skills and behaviours that underpin your Apprenticeship learning experience that will lead to an industry-accredited qualification.

This role assists in providing the Train Planning team with support and enhanced resource in the compilation and documentation of efficient and effective timetables and associated rolling stock and train crew resource plans. This apprenticeship provides the opportunity to gain experience and acquire skills and knowledge in all technical aspects of the train planning process; its associated techniques and systems. You will also gain a working appreciation of how the technical skills of train planning and the plans they generate influence operations, performance, customer service, resourcing, commercial and other business requirements.

What you’ll need to have

• Good working knowledge of a range of IT systems and packages especially with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook
• A positive team player who has a ‘can-do' attitude and shows initiative
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team and treat all colleagues with dignity and respect.
• The capacity to ensure a high degree of accuracy and quality, whilst adhering to procedure.
• Demonstrates flexibility in approach to the job to ensure that duties are properly performed and to meet the operational demands of the business

Desirable

• GCSE grade 4 /C or above in English and Maths or Level 2 functional skills.
• Good working knowledge of a range of IT systems and packages especially with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook
• A positive team player who has a ‘can-do' attitude and shows initiative
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team and treat all colleagues with dignity and respect.
• The capacity to ensure a high degree of accuracy and quality, whilst adhering to procedure.
• Demonstrates flexibility in approach to the job to ensure that duties are properly performed and to meet the operational demands of the business

About the location

South Western Railways 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 over 5 days

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, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/