22 September 2026 •
As students across the UK return to education and studies, GBR Anglia – which brings together the leadership of c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under a single, unified structure – is highlighting some of the great careers on offer in the railway industry.
GBR Anglia has various apprenticeship schemes and youth employment opportunities available across the region, which has seen several colleagues find their place in the railway family.
Across GBR Anglia, several young colleagues have taken part in apprenticeship or youth employment schemes with the organisation, learning from the ground up about their roles and responsibilities.
Three examples of success are c2c’s Erin Godfrey, who recently finished her apprenticeship and was promoted from HR Apprentice to Recruitment Advisor, Greater Anglia’s Jolanta Miklasevica, Greater Anglia’s Learning & Development Practitioner Apprentice, and Mikey Tibble-Howlings, S&T Apprentice, Network Rail Anglia.
Recently, the trio discussed their roles and the great strides they have taken since joining the railway industry.
Erin Godfrey, Recruitment Advisor, c2c
Erin’s railway journey began when she discovered a HR apprenticeship through the Government apprenticeship website. Joining c2c as a HR Apprentice introduced her to both the railway industry and a wide range of HR disciplines.
Having successfully completed her apprenticeship, Erin has since progressed into a Recruitment Advisor role and is continuing her professional development by working towards her CIPD Level 5 qualification.
Looking back, Erin says her apprenticeship helped her develop the confidence and versatility needed to succeed across different areas of Human Resources.
Reflecting on her career progression, she said:
“My biggest achievement is being where I am now. I’m a couple of months away from finishing my CIPD Level 5, which I didn’t think I would be doing for a few years. Looking back at the person I was when I first started compared to who I am now gives me a real sense of pride.
“I recommend that other young people take every opportunity that comes your way. Building experience early can open doors to so many different opportunities in the future.”
Jolanta Miklasevica, Learning & Development Practitioner Apprentice, Greater Anglia
Jolanta joined Greater Anglia after spotting an apprenticeship opportunity that would allow her to gain qualifications while developing practical experience. Since then, she has become a key part of the Learning & Development team, helping to onboard new colleagues and facilitating induction programmes across the business.
Reflecting on her journey, Jolanta said she was attracted by the opportunity to learn while gaining hands-on experience in a professional environment. She credits the support of her colleagues, line manager and apprenticeship provider with helping her develop both her skills and confidence.
One of Jolanta’s proudest achievements has been taking on greater responsibility for Greater Anglia’s onboarding programme, including independently delivering parts of inductions for new starters.
Offering advice to others considering a career in rail, she said:
“I would definitely encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship or a career in the rail industry to go for it. Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive, and there’s always someone willing to help you learn and develop. It’s a great opportunity to gain valuable experience, build your confidence and start a rewarding career.”
Mikey Tibble-Howlings, S&T Apprentice, Network Rail Anglia
Mikey Tibble-Howlings joined Network Rail’s apprenticeship programme after spending 14 years working as a chef. Based at the Cambridge Depot, he is now developing specialist skills in electrical and mechanical engineering while helping to maintain the infrastructure that keeps trains moving safely and reliably across the railway.
Since joining the scheme, Mikey has credited the support of colleagues and the variety of experiences available through the apprenticeship with helping him build confidence and develop a strong understanding of the railway industry.
Reflecting on his journey, Mikey said:
“When I first joined, I had no railway experience and only limited engineering knowledge, but the apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to learn every day. Through training, practical work and the support of colleagues, I’ve developed skills and confidence that I never thought I’d gain so quickly.”
One of Mikey’s proudest achievements has been consistently achieving top marks in his BTEC and training assessments, while developing the teamwork and communication skills needed to succeed in a safety-critical environment.
Offering advice to others considering a career in rail, he said:
“I honestly wish I could go back and tell my 16-year-old self to consider an apprenticeship. I couldn’t have anticipated the opportunities that have opened up to me through this role. Every day brings new challenges, new experiences and the chance to learn from fantastic people. “
As students and young people across the country consider their next steps, stories like Mikey, Jolanta’s and Erin’s demonstrate the wide range of opportunities available across the railway industry, where apprenticeships can provide both valuable qualifications and rewarding long-term careers.
To find out more about careers in the railway, you can find further information by clicking the links below.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About GBR Anglia
GBR Anglia brings together c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under one unified leadership team as part of the wider journey towards Great British Railways.
This new structure is part of wider plans to create Great British Railways (GBR), bringing track and train closer together to deliver a better, more joined-up railway for customers and communities in Anglia.
The structure is designed to support closer operational coordination across infrastructure, train services and customer delivery.
Existing ticketing and customer arrangements remain unchanged, and customers will continue to see the current company identities as the railway transitions towards GBR.
The Anglia route serves a fast-growing region, connecting commuters, leisure travellers, ports, power stations and more, as well as Stansted and Southend airports.
About DFTO
- DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027.
- The group’s current train operating companies are: c2c, Greater Anglia, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express and WM Trains (London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway).
- DFTO runs more than 8,500 services each weekday and delivers more than 660 million customer journeys across its networks every year.
Images
Featured Image: GBR Anglia trains at Liverpool Street
Second Image: Erin Godfrey, Recruitment Advisor, c2c
Third Image: Jolanta Miklasevica, Learning & Development Practitioner Apprentice, Greater Anglia
Fourth Image: Mikey Tibble-Howlings, S&T Apprentice, Network Rail Anglia