Govia Thameslink Railway Celebrates a 49% Increase in Female Apprentices in 2025 with 106 Women Joining its Programs This Increase Highlights Diversity and Leadership Opportunities for Women in Rail
Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February), Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the UK’s largest rail operator, has announced a remarkable 49% surge in female apprenticeships for 2025. This milestone comes as GTR continues to focus on creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce. In total, 420 new apprentices joined the company in 2025, with 106 being women, representing a significant increase compared to the previous year.
A Growing Trend: Women in Rail Apprenticeships
The increasing number of female apprentices highlights a shifting trend in the rail sector. For the first time in five years, GTR has recorded the highest number of female applicants for its Team Leader/Supervisor apprenticeship programs. This surge reflects a growing interest among women in upskilling and advancing their careers within the rail industry.
As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity, GTR has introduced two new apprenticeships specifically designed for women: Women in Leadership Levels 3 and 5. These programs aim to empower and support women in leadership roles, helping them develop the skills necessary to excel in senior positions within the company. This initiative aligns with GTR’s mission to build a workforce that mirrors the diversity of the communities it serves.
GTR’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Beyond the 49% increase in female apprenticeships, GTR has successfully surpassed its goal of ensuring that 20% of its apprenticeships are filled by women. Currently, women make up 27% of all apprenticeship starters, marking a significant achievement for the company. Furthermore, the overall number of apprenticeships offered by GTR has seen a 75% growth over the last five years, rising from 240 new apprentices in 2021 to 420 in 2025.
This expansion reflects GTR’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for both new and existing employees, regardless of gender or background. It also emphasizes the company’s strategic efforts to attract diverse talent to the railway sector, which is traditionally male-dominated.
Natalie Parker’s Journey: A Success Story
One of the most inspiring examples of GTR’s apprenticeship program is the story of Natalie Parker, who is currently enrolled in the Level 3 Women in Leadership: Team Leader apprenticeship. After being made redundant from a long career in admin and accounts in 2019, Natalie seized the opportunity to switch careers and pursue a new path in property maintenance.
Her dedication and willingness to learn paid off when she successfully applied for a Skilled Maintenance Operative role at GTR in 2020. Now, as she works toward completing her apprenticeship, Natalie is confident that the program will propel her career to new heights.
“The apprenticeship has been incredible,” Natalie said. “We’ve covered important topics like project management, leadership, and professional networking. One of the biggest benefits for me has been gaining confidence, especially when dealing with self-doubt. Growing up with dyslexia, I often felt I wasn’t good enough. This course has helped me shift my mindset and realize my potential.”
Ruth Busby: Emphasizing Growth and Empowerment
Ruth Busby, GTR’s People Director, shared her enthusiasm about the increasing number of women in the apprenticeship program, stating, “It’s fantastic to see so many women taking the leap to develop new skills and grow their careers within the rail industry. We know that our people are at the core of our success, and we are dedicated to investing in various apprenticeship programs to help our employees thrive. By doing so, we’re fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that can better reflect the diverse communities we serve.”
The Future of GTR Apprenticeships
GTR offers a total of 19 different apprenticeship courses, providing employees with the chance to study and work simultaneously. The apprenticeship programs are designed to cater to both new recruits and existing employees, ensuring that there are opportunities for personal and professional growth at every stage of a career.
The company’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce is evident in the variety of apprenticeships offered. As more women take part in these programs, GTR continues to set an example of how the railway industry can become more representative of the communities it serves.
A Call to Aspiring Apprentices
Anyone interested in applying for an apprenticeship with GTR can visit the company’s Career page, where they can sign up for alerts and stay updated on upcoming opportunities. The continued success of GTR’s apprenticeship programs shows that there are plenty of exciting opportunities in the rail industry for individuals looking to develop new skills and grow their careers.
As National Apprenticeship Week approaches, GTR’s focus on increasing female participation in apprenticeships serves as a positive reminder of the potential for inclusivity and equal opportunity in all sectors, including the rail industry. This initiative not only empowers women but also strengthens the future workforce in one of the UK’s most vital sectors.
Source: Govia Thameslink
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