Tyneside train operator, Lumo, has announced that 95% of their workforce first began as apprentices.

Lumo’s milestone follows a five-year partnership between themselves and railway training provider, Train’d Up.

To date Lumo said that a total 78 Customer Drivers and Customer Experience Ambassadors have successfully enrolled through the apprenticeship completing a range of training modules.

The announcement follows news that the UK has seen a 2.5% overall boost in apprenticeships in the last year. Yet, there is still work to be done in the North East due to an ongoing decline in uptake from 23,260 in 2018 to 18,450 in 2023.

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “We take great pride in celebrating the fact nearly all Lumo colleagues have had the opportunity to train through our apprenticeship programme with Train’d Up.

“This was a founding pillar as the company began the process with Train’d Up ahead of our launch back in 2020.

 “It has remained a key part of our colleague development approach as we want to continuously ensure that as many local people as possible have the opportunity to join the rail industry, regardless of their previous skill set or background.”

Paul Daglish, Lead Learning Specialist at Train’d Up, said: “Lumo really highlighted the importance of staff training from day one by working in tandem with us and developing their operational standards in line with our training standards.

“An apprenticeship is a key step towards becoming a train driver in the UK as hands-on, situational experience is vital. Lumo is helping to give the local area the opportunity to join the rail industry and learn brand new skills all while earning.”