The critical role apprentices play in strengthening rail & infrastructure

Every year, National Apprenticeship Week gives us a chance to shine a spotlight on the thousands of people building their futures - and our country’s infrastructure - through hands-on learning. But for sectors like rail and infrastructure, apprenticeships aren’t just a “nice to have”. They’re becoming one of the most strategically important tools we have for securing the future of the UK’s transport networks.

Across the country, demand for skilled infrastructure talent is reaching unprecedented levels. Apprenticeship starts rose by 7.7% in the first quarter of 2025/26, signalling the growing momentum behind earn‑while‑you‑learn pathways. At the same time, major programmes like HS2 have already surpassed 2,032 apprenticeship starts, demonstrating just how vital these schemes are for delivering national-scale projects.

And at MSSI, we see this value every day.

MSSI’s apprentices: Building skills, building futures

Over the past year, apprentices have played a central role across our Civils and Rail divisions. In 2025 alone, our civils apprenticeships saw three completions of Groundworks Level 2, three for Formworks Level 2, two completions of Steel fixing Level 2 and two new apprentices joining the Electrical Level 3 programme. And in rail, we welcomed six new Level 3 Rail Engineering apprentices

These aren’t just numbers. They represent individuals gaining confidence, qualifications, and real on-site experience, and teams gaining the fresh ideas, energy, and commitment that apprentices so often bring.

Why apprentices are essential for rail and infrastructure

The rail industry is facing a significant skills gap, with the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) recently warning that the sector faces “projected workforce shortfalls ‘driven by high retirement and attrition rates’ and potential skills gaps in the face of emerging technology and net zero challenges”.

For infrastructure more broadly, the pressures are similar. A shortage of civil engineers, project managers, electrical technicians and digitally skilled workers is slowing progress on major national projects. Apprenticeships help fill these gaps by creating structured, reliable pipelines of skilled workers, people not only equipped with technical knowledge, but also practical experience and industry-specific understanding.

This is where MSSI’s approach aligns so strongly with national needs.

What our team says about the power of apprenticeships

Our people experience the impact of apprenticeships at ground level, on live projects, in real conditions, and alongside seasoned professionals. Here is what they had to say:

Developing capability and commitment

“Deploying skilled apprentices to our clients’ sites is a cornerstone of our approach to workforce development. By integrating apprentices into live projects, we cultivate a skilled, committed and highly productive workforce. This investment not only bridges critical skills gaps but also fosters long-term talent pipelines.”

Tom Burrow, Account Manager, NR Central and West Coast Mainline South Route.

Tom highlights what research also confirms: on-the-job experience accelerates confidence and competence, enabling apprentices to contribute meaningfully to safety, productivity, and project delivery. This directly supports both current client needs and long-term sector resilience.

Addressing skills shortages in key trades

“Ever increasingly we are seeing major skills shortages in the UK on key trades, that’s why it’s imperative we fully support these programmes and encourage potential apprenticeships to pursue an apprenticeship.”

John Gibson, Head of Operations, Civils & Ports.

This mirrors national findings: shortages in construction and infrastructure trades are holding back major projects, and apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to replenish the workforce.  

Delivering tangible value for clients

“Tailored talent development… Cost-effective workforce growth… Improved retention and loyalty… Increased productivity from the start…”

Gavin Manley, Regional Manager, Wales & Western.

Gavin’s insights perfectly align with national data showing that apprentices can deliver between £2,500 and £18,000 in value to employers during training, thanks to productivity gains and reduced recruitment costs.

In short, apprentices don’t just strengthen our workforce, they strengthen our service.

A national opportunity we can’t afford to miss

The UK rail and infrastructure sectors stand at a pivotal moment. Parliamentary and industry reports emphasise that without sustained investment in skills and apprenticeship pathways, the UK risks falling behind global competitors as digitalisation and net‑zero transitions accelerate.

But this moment also presents a rare opportunity. Apprenticeships give us a chance to build a workforce that is not only ready for today’s challenges but also excited and equipped for the innovations ahead.

At MSSI, we are proud to play our part, training the next generation, supporting our clients, and contributing to a more resilient and skilled national workforce.

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A day in the life: Hennessey Slowey, former Level 2 Groundworks Apprentice

After completing his Level 2 Groundworks apprenticeship in September 2024, Hennessey Slowey has progressed into a multi‑skilled operative, putting his training into action on major infrastructure projects.

Starting the day on site

Hennessey begins each morning with a team briefing and safety checks, something he says his apprenticeship deeply ingrained in him. “Throughout the course I learnt a lot about safety and groundwork processes,” he explains. “It’s made me more patient and more aware of how different trades come together to achieve the end goal.”

Hands-on learning and teamwork

Whether supporting excavation works, assisting with drainage installation, or helping prepare foundations, no two days look the same. Working alongside experienced operatives has allowed Hennessey to keep building on the skills gained during his apprenticeship. Since qualifying, he has been trusted with more responsibility and has expanded his knowledge across multiple disciplines on-site.

Growing confidence and capability

Hennessey credits the supportive learning environment for helping him progress: “I really enjoyed my apprenticeship and learnt so much. All the skills I’ve learnt have given me a great start in my career. I felt supported throughout and was always offered help when I needed it.”

Advice to future apprentices

For anyone considering following a similar path, Hennessey’s message is simple: “I always knew an office environment wasn’t for me, and luckily, I found the perfect role. It’s the best thing I’ve done, you won’t know until you give it a try.”

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A day in the life: Jack Young, Level 3 Rail Engineering Apprentice

For Jack Young, a current Level 3 Rail Engineering apprentice, no two shifts look the same. Working on live rail infrastructure means each day brings new challenges, new skills to develop, and a constant focus on safety.

Starting the shift: Safety first

Jack begins his day by signing in at the site access cabin, where the team checks travel time, fatigue levels, and confirms that everyone has the correct PPE. All of this information is logged on Sentinel before work can begin.

After that, the COSS (Controller of Site Safety) and the site manager lead a full briefing, covering site safety, the day’s tasks, and any hazards the team needs to be aware of.

Hands-on rail engineering work

The work Jack supports can vary from day to day. “Our jobs can be anything from sleeper changing to a whole de‑rail,” he explains. However, throughout the shift, safety remains the number one priority. The team is continuously monitored to ensure all work is carried out correctly, carefully, and in line with strict industry standards. As Jack puts it: “The site manager would rather the job be done safely than fast.”

Teamwork at the centre of everything

Rail engineering is a team effort, and Jack thrives in that environment. “I love working as part of a team and all pulling together to get the job done,” he says. Collaborating with experienced engineers, learning from their techniques, and contributing to essential rail maintenance, has helped him grow rapidly in confidence and competence.

Looking ahead: Ambitions for the future

Jack is already thinking about the next stage of his career. His goal? To progress into a supervisor role, where he can help organise and guide teams to deliver safe, efficient rail work.

Advice for future rail apprentices

For anyone considering a rail apprenticeship, Jack’s advice is simple, but very practical: “Be prepared for all weathers. Take waterproofs and keep a change of clothes in the car.”

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Looking ahead

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we recognise the dedication of every apprentice who has trained with us, and every mentor, manager, and colleague who has helped them grow.

The future of UK rail and infrastructure depends on people: passionate, capable, and curious people. Apprenticeships remain one of the most powerful ways to bring them into our industry.

And at MSSI, we’re committed to championing them, this week and every week of the year.