Network Rail is holding an open day in the hope of attracting more apprentices into the industry.

The event is to be held at its Swindon depot on February 1st and is aimed at giving young people and their families an insight into life as trainee on the railway.

Apprentices are required to join the company's sites across the south-west of England and bosses are hoping to attract highly-skilled individuals to assist in the operation of an increasingly busy rail network.

The open day is mainly targeted at those who wish to begin apprenticeships in September, but it is also open to anybody who may be considering a career in the field. Attendees will have the opportunity to see live demonstrations, presentations on the application process and to speak with engineers and recruiters to further enhance their understanding of what the job entails.

Michelle Palin, leader of Network Rail's recruitment scheme, commented: "It's a very exciting time to work in the west of England with the major programme of £5 billion to transform the Great Western main line over the [next] five years."

The apprentice scheme has trained 1050 people since its inception in 2005, with another 600 currently engaged in the programme.