National Apprenticeship Week 2025 at GBRf

Over National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we sat down with a number of our staff who have completed an apprenticeship to kickstart their career.  Apprenticeships have been vital to so many in shaping their careers – including our CEO John Smith. Read John’s, Miranda’s, Ben’s, Bailey’s and Tyler’s stories below.

John Smith OBE – Chief Executive Officer

John has been a rail enthusiast all of his life, and was set on a career in the rail sector. He started his career as a Technical Apprentice in a carriage works in York. This early valuable experience in the sector laid the groundwork for John to kickstart his career and ultimately go on to be the founder of GB Railfreight.

John believes bringing young people into any business is essential for its growth and reinvention. They bring enthusiasm, new ways of doing things, and fresh perspectives.

“We take immense pride in watching our apprentices take on more responsibilities and drive their careers forward.”

His advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is to go for it! An apprenticeship offers hands-on experience, a chance to earn while you learn, and a pathway to a rewarding career.

Miranda Apps – IT Assets Manager

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Miranda has been at GB Railfreight for over five years and decided recently to start a International Diploma in Business Analysis apprenticeship through the British Computer Society.

“I’ve been in IT for 30 years, working on service desks, software licensing and projects. GB Railfreight’s Applications team were using their time liaising with end users and trying to interpret users’ changing requests. I was asked whether I would be a Business Analyst to act as the conduit between the users and the developers/3rd parties. The British Computer Society (BCS) have an International Diploma in Business Analysis, which is recognised worldwide. An apprenticeship was a fantastic way of achieving this, as it combines practice via the apprenticeship along with the theory needed for the 5 exams that make up the Diploma.”

Miranda’s story proves that apprenticeships can be anyone at any stage in their career.

Ben Turner – Assets Project Manager 

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After completing sixth form, Ben knew that university wasn’t the right path for him. Instead, he sought out opportunities that would allow him to learn on the job and build a career quickly. He initially tried his hand at an internship as a Data Analyst but soon realized that sitting in front of spreadsheets all day wasn’t for him. Ben wanted a more dynamic and hands-on approach to learning, which led him to pursue an apprenticeship. Ben was drawn to GBRf by the chance to work nationwide, travel, and meet diverse people. He expected lighter tasks at first, but was given real responsibility from day one, which fast-tracked his learning.

Ben completed his Level 4 Project Management and PMQ Apprenticeships between January 2020 and July 2021.

“An apprenticeship allows you to hit the ground running, building momentum to progress and succeed!”

Ben Turner is now an Assets Junior Project Manager at GB Railfreight (GBRf) and has played a key part in delivering infrastructure projects worth £10 million and implementing the use of body worn cameras across traincrew. Last year he was awarded the Young Rail Freight Professional Of The Year at the RFG Awards.

Bailey Clifton – Business Property Assistant

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Bailey Clifton joined GB Railfreight (GBRf) as an apprentice in August 2022, and his journey has been nothing short of inspiring. With a background in finance, media, and PE from his A-levels, Bailey was eager to start earning money and building a career right after school. A keen West Ham supporter, he knew university wasn’t the right path for him and found the perfect fit with GBRf.

Bailey chose GBRf due to his proactive and positive recruitment experience. He quickly realised that apprenticeships at GBRf involved significant responsibility and trust rather than the stereotypical junior tasks given to apprentices, allowing him to grow both personally and professionally.

Bailey completed his Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeship between August 2022 and April 2024.

“Apprenticeships offer a chance to get straight into work, build a career, and provide great progression opportunities.”

Tyler Livings – Rail Operator

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Tyler’s journey from Assistant Store Manager at Domino’s Pizza to a thriving career in the railway industry is truly inspiring. Encouraged by his grandad, Tyler joined GBRf as a Commercial Apprentice. His apprenticeship provided invaluable experience, networking opportunities, and the chance to grow both personally and professionally.

Encouraged by his grandad, who has a background in the railway industry, Tyler applied for an apprenticeship with GBRf. After a rigorous two-stage interview process, which included delivering a presentation and participating in panel interviews, he was offered the role of ‘Commercial Apprentice’ within the Rail Services team.

Tyler completed his Sales Executive Apprenticeship between August 2022 and April 2024.

“An apprenticeship was the best way to enter a complex industry while gaining qualifications and progressing into a career.”