South Western Railway (SWR) has been awarded a prestigious gold accreditation for its apprenticeships programme.

South Western Railway has achieved 'Gold' status from Investors in People (IIP), completing a trio of accolades recognising its commitment to staff development.

The latest award follows earlier gold accreditations in the people and wellbeing categories, announced in December.

In its final report, IIP praised SWR's approach to supporting apprentices.

It said: "SWR provides an environment where the amount of care provided to apprentices is exemplary. The apprenticeship team are really proactive and committed to providing the best experience for the range of apprentices.

"The organisation has successfully embedded a culture where apprentices feel valued, safe, and integrated from day one."

Sharon Johnston, People and Transformation Director for SWR and Network Rail Wessex, said the recognition reflected the hard work of staff and apprentices alike.

She said: "All the hard work that our colleagues and apprentices have put in has been recognised with this Gold accreditation. This makes us only the second train operator in the country to achieve such a prestigious 'hat-trick'.

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"The accreditation recognises the journey that our apprenticeship programme has undertaken from being an ambitious goal to becoming a key part of the company's talent development strategy and congratulations go to all those who have been a part of that journey."

During National Apprenticeship Week earlier this month, SWR announced that 28 new apprentices will join the business in September.

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