We introduced our apprenticeship and trainee programme to proactively encourage new people into the rail industry and in turn, to take steps to address the
decline in the availability of high quality labour. We initially took on a number of engineering apprentices including 2 aircraft engineering trainees that we assigned to the Airbus Programme. Internally we have put 5 apprentices through our programme, 3 of which have now completed their NVQ qualifications and joined our team permanently and 2 are still completing their programme. Our trainee scheme was developed to demonstrate our commitment to working with local communities, reducing the risk of fatigue and bridging the skills gap. We wanted to open a scheme up to a diverse pool of potential talent with an inclusive approach and to ensure that those from economically disadvantaged areas were able to complete the scheme and we achieved this by ensuring people were paid whilst training, covering the costs of travel and subsistence and providing tool kits. In 2019 over 60 people have now completed the scheme and gained their IRSE licences. MPI has the capacity to grow this scheme within all areas which we are really excited about. This sustainable approach to generating new talent for each sector is underpinned by our internal trainer who is also a Mental Health Practitioner and Stress Counsellor and he uses the scheme to provide interaction and good practices to identify and support individuals as required.