Go-Ahead secures unique accreditation for transport sector apprenticeships

The Go-Ahead Group has become the first provider of bus and rail services to be nationally recognised for the quality of apprenticeships across the business.

After gaining the unique certification from the Education and Skills Funding Agency, Go-Ahead can deliver apprenticeships without a training partner.

The ESFA is an executive agency responsible for funding education and skills for children, young people and adults, operating under the Department for Education.

While it has recognised individual train and bus operating companies in the past, Go-Ahead is the first transport provider operating both services to be accredited, recognising opportunities throughout the company.

Go-Ahead expects to take more than 300 apprentices a year once the programme is rolled out.

Group chief executive David Brown said: “Go-Ahead is an employer that invests in its people, and that includes both existing staff and future talent.

“The team worked hard to achieve the ESFA accreditation and I am delighted that we now offer both apprenticeships and a graduate scheme.”

The accreditation builds on a history of excellence in training. Go-Ahead has previously collaborated with the Princes Trust to deliver four week “pre-apprenticeship” programmes. 100 young people have undertaken the course within Govia Thameslink Railway, with 75 recruited to a permanent role. Go-Ahead was also the first in the industry to secure “Trailblazer” status with the National Training Academy for Rail.

Neil Robertson, Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Rail said: “The Go-Ahead Group is a stalwart within the industry and achieving this status is testament to its ability to deliver exceptional quality training.”

Apprenticeships from Go-Ahead will be available from later this year.