Network Rail announces today a big boost to one of Britain's largest apprenticeship schemes. As it opens applications for the second successive year, the number of places available will increase from 200 to 250 for this comprehensive three-year scheme.

Over £30 million has been invested in the scheme by Network Rail in a search for the talent of tomorrow who will help to rebuild Britain's railway. The apprentices who successfully complete the scheme are guaranteed a job within Network Rail's maintenance function, which has centres across the country.

The announcement of the expansion of the scheme was made during a visit by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Derek Twigg MP to the home of the scheme - the Royal Naval base HMS Sultan - in Gosport, Hants.

In the first year of their course, the aspiring young apprentices will be trained at the Royal Navy's historic HMS Sultan and accommodated ‘next door' at HMS Collingwood. HMS Sultan's is Europe's largest engineering training centre whilst HMS Collingwood boasts bespoke facilities, including: fully refurbished accommodation, swimming pool, football, tennis and squash amenities and much, much more.

Iain Coucher, Deputy Chief Executive of Network Rail, says: “The increase in places on this scheme demonstrates our commitment to investing in the railway men and women of tomorrow. The programme provides a fantastic opportunity for the successful applicants who will play a key role in helping to rebuild our railway.”

Welcoming this, Derek Twigg MP, added: “This is a fantastic investment in training and skills providing a bright future for these young people and for the railway. I commend Network Rail on the scheme and the Royal Navy and Flagship and their inventive use of resources, excellent facilities and training. I am pleased to see that the first year is such a success and even more apprentices will be taken on in subsequent years.”

The young people will be taught by the very best trainers from Network Rail, and Flagship Training Ltd, and will ‘earn as they learn', being paid £9,000 in their first year rising to £13,000 by year three.

The initial course of study will give the apprentices a solid background in engineering, leading to attainment of NVQs at level 2 and 3 and a BTEC National Award technical certificate.

Network Rail staff, delivering a range of rail-specific training, will teach the second and third years of the course. This will help to fulfil Network Rail's strategy of standardising its employees' set of competencies and standards.

Notes to Editors

1. Find out more about the scheme by logging on to www.networkrail.co.uk/careers or call 0800 0191 996.

2. Network Rail is the 'not for dividend' owner and operator of Britain's railway infrastructure, which includes the tracks, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, level crossings and stations – the largest of which we also manage

3. We are working to rebuild Britain's railway and provide a safe, reliable and efficient rail infrastructure for freight and passenger trains to use

4. Our website: www.networkrail.co.uk

5. Flagship Training Ltd – a joint venture between BAE Systems and the VT Group – will be providing training facilities, accommodation and personnel to the advanced apprenticeship scheme.

Media contact: 020 7557 8292