National Apprenticeship Week 2026

National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to recognise the real impact apprenticeships have, not just on individuals, but on businesses and the wider infrastructure industry.

At OSL, apprenticeships are not a standalone initiative or short-term programme. They form part of how we build our teams, strengthen capability and sustain the skills needed across rail, utilities, environmental and infrastructure delivery.

Learning Through Doing

Engineering is ultimately a practical discipline. While classroom learning provides the foundation, confidence and competence are built through experience.

Across signalling, utilities, environmental and infrastructure delivery, we have welcomed apprentices and graduates into live projects, where they contribute alongside experienced engineers, testers and project professionals. From design and testing to delivery and project support, early-career team members gain exposure to real responsibilities from an early stage.

We also support colleagues who choose to continue their university studies alongside their roles, recognising that technical education and workplace experience work best together.

Creating Genuine Routes into Engineering

Apprenticeships are most effective when they form part of a wider pathway.

We work with local colleges, universities and education partners to help create accessible routes into engineering and infrastructure careers. Through school engagement initiatives and structured placements, we aim to support a pipeline that reflects the communities in which we operate.

These partnerships are not about short-term recruitment. They are about long-term industry sustainability.

Growing Capability Across the Business

We have seen apprentices and graduates grow in confidence and capability as they take on increasing responsibility within live infrastructure programmes.

Hands-on experience, structured mentoring and exposure to regulated, safety-critical environments build more than technical knowledge, they build judgement, accountability and professional pride.

Apprenticeships do not simply fill roles. They build skills, resilience and long-term capability.

Looking Ahead

As the rail and infrastructure industries continue to evolve, the need for skilled, adaptable professionals becomes even more important. Investing in early-career development ensures we are not only delivering projects today, but building the expertise required for tomorrow.

During National Apprenticeship Week, we recognise and thank the apprentices, graduates and mentors who contribute to OSL’s work every day.

We’re proud of our apprentices.
We’re grateful to our mentors.
And we’re committed to continuing the pathway.