CHARLES French, from Neyland in Pembrokeshire turned failure into success through an apprenticeship on the Wales and Borders railway that launched a career in leadership.

This National Apprenticeship week (February 9-15), Network Rail is shining a spotlight on colleagues who have built rewarding careers through an apprenticeship the Wales and Borders route.

Back in sixth form in 2017, Charles French was like many students, completely unsure of what came next. When he talks about working at Network Rail, he admits he didn’t know much about the rail industry, never mind grow up dreaming of a career in it. Yet, several years later, he is now a Track Section Supervisor, building a career with remarkable upward momentum.

So how did this all happen? It’s all thanks to an apprenticeship.

“I was studying, working a part time job at the same time in a trampoline park, and I was probably trying to do too much”, Charles explains. “I actually failed my first set of A-levels and redid the first year. Because I was then a year behind, I had to watch as all my friends went to university.”

For a while, Charles struggled to decide what he wanted to do. This lack of direction and purpose affected his A-levels as schooling lost its appeal. That all changed thanks to a late-night internet search in his college common room. He found a forum where someone mentioned Network Rail’s apprenticeship scheme, and his interest was piqued. He applied, even though he had little knowledge of the railway, and crossed his fingers. That leap of faith turned into a life-changing opportunity.

Charles’ apprenticeship began with six months at a residential training centre in Westwood, Coventry. Each stage of his apprenticeship brought new experiences; working with track teams, signalling units, welders, and in technical offices. He absorbed knowledge quickly, gravitating toward roles that involved planning and precision.

“It wasn’t always easy,” said Charles, “I knew nothing about the railway, but I think that probably helped. I came in with an open mind, asked the right questions, and grasped everything fairly quickly.”

Progression fuelled by opportunity

One of the strengths of Network Rail’s apprenticeship scheme is the variety of career paths it opens. For Charles, it wasn’t just training; it was a springboard. After completing the three-year programme in 2020, he transitioned from maintenance to inspection, and from there eventually became a team leader. More recently, he stepped into a secondment as a Track Section Supervisor.

“You have to back yourself and believe in yourself. I’d had the best training, got the right knowledge, and I knew I could do the job. And I proved it - always making sure the work got done and to the right standards.”

When asked what it takes to succeed, Charles is clear: “You need to be willing to learn, ask questions, be flexible, and be hard-working. The track apprenticeship, in particular, is physically demanding. You have to be willing to work hard and do your fair share of the heavy lifting.”

His advice for anyone considering taking the plunge on a Network Rail apprenticeship?

“I feel like it’s a job for life if you want it, but it’s more than that. It’s a launchpad. You can take what you learn and work anywhere in the UK, even abroad. Network Rail skills are recognised the world over.”

Today, Charles enjoys being back in Pembrokeshire, working in the community he grew up in and making a tangible difference. He’s ambitious, keen to move up within Network Rail, but also curious about what opportunities might lie abroad.

“If I stay here forever, I’m happy,” he says. “But I’d love to try working overseas at least once in my life.”

Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said:

“Apprenticeships open doors to long-term careers on the railway - something I’ve experienced myself since starting as an apprentice with British Rail in 1990.

“It’s fantastic to see colleagues like Charles following a similar pathway, building successful futures by taking advantage of the many opportunities the railway offers.

“Charles’ story shows how apprenticeships at Network Rail Wales and Borders can transform lives, whether you’re starting out, changing direction or looking to progress further.

We’realways looking for new talent and fresh perspectives to help shape the future of our railway, and by investing in people we’re not just building skills - we’re creating careers for life.”

An apprenticeship at Network Rail offers more than just an education. You’ll receive expert training, earn while you learn and develop skills for life.

Apprenticeships aren’t just for those of school leaving age, anyone can apply for one at Network Rail.

Applications are now open for our 2026 intake - click here to learn about the broad range of apprenticeships on offer.