“Enrolling on an apprenticeship has allowed me to pursue a deeper and more meaningful way of learning.”

13 February 2026

After enrolling on the Transport Scheduler apprenticeship scheme, Aniela Wagstyl, Edward Dunster, and Harrison Cardwell have all progressed into full-time positions within the Train Planning team at Avanti West Coast. To mark National Apprenticeship Week, they share how learning while gaining practical experience is vital in such a specialist area of the rail industry. 

Aniela, Traincrew Diagrammer, said: “The railway was completely new to me when I enrolled on this apprenticeship. I had no prior experience or connections to the industry, but the ability to gain new skills and build my knowledge from the ground up really appealed to me.

“As apprentices, we’ve been trusted to voice our opinions on major projects, including engineering work and the introduction of the Evero fleet. I’ve had the opportunity to gain exposure to other areas of the business too. The support from management has been invaluable.

“I believe enrolling on an apprenticeship has allowed me to pursue a deeper and more meaningful way of learning.”

Edward Dunster, Traincrew Diagrammer, said: “I feel extremely proud to have been given the opportunity to progress into a full-time role within the Train Planning team whilst still technically being enrolled on my apprenticeship.

“Our feedback as apprentices is always listened and heard. We’re empowered to give our opinions on major projects that contribute to the success of the business.

“I regularly get the chance to travel across our network and meet different colleagues, which enhances my operational understanding of the industry.”

Harry Wykes, Traincrew Planning Specialist, joined Avanti West Coast in 2023 as an apprentice. Within two years he progressed into a management position and is now a mentor for others joining via the scheme.

Harry said: “From a young age I always had an interest in the railway. The apprenticeship was the perfect opportunity to get involved in an industry I’d grown up with and learn more about the work that goes on behind the scenes.

“Through the apprenticeship, I was given endless opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise been offered. The exposure it gave me to other areas of the business was invaluable.”

"National Apprenticeship Week is a great platform to celebrate those who have chosen this career path as their entry into such a complex industry."

Rob Taylor, Head of Train Planning and Jamie Tuckwood, Senior Short Term Planning Manager lead the Train Planning team and have supported the apprentices through the process of gaining their qualifications.

Jamie said: “I’m incredibly proud to have worked alongside our train planning apprentices and use National Apprenticeship Week to highlight their success.

“Their work has been pivotal to our team meeting key deadlines. The apprentices have worked collaboratively to ensure the timely delivery of major projects, alongside learning the role and taking on additional responsibilities in other operational areas of the business – something that is truly impressive this early on in their careers.”

Rob said: "It’s so important to raise awareness around apprenticeships and the opportunities they can create for young people. National Apprenticeship Week is a great platform to celebrate those who have chosen this career path as their entry into such a complex industry.

“Train planning is a specialist role, therefore recruiting individuals with an existing skillset can prove challenging. This apprenticeship programme was introduced to provide a route into train planning for trainees. The opportunities they gain from learning while having practical experience of the role has proved hugely beneficial."

Main image - (L-R) Jamie Tuckwood, Aniela Wagstyl, Harry Wykes, Edward Dunster, Harrison Cardwell and Rob Taylor from Avanti West Coast's Train Planning team.