Aspire Driver Manager Apprentice Review
at Great Western Railway
Level 4/5 Apprenticeship
Management Consulting
Plymouth
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a driver manager apprentice I learnt the day to day running of the driver function and how to be a manager to them. I had to learn the basics of driving a train so that I knew what I was talking to drivers about and I also learnt how to become a manager. I had to do welfare checks, attendance checks, train delay research, college reviews for apprentice drivers, competency checking and so much more
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
It was a really great programme which gave me lots of experience understanding an area of the business I hadn't experienced before and it taught me key management styles and tips.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I learnt lots of new skills such as how to become a manager. I learnt people skills, management styles, confidence, communication skills and so many more skills that you wouldn't learn in the day to day of another role.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme had lots of organisation but also lots of room for me to go off and learn different aspects of the job. There was a structure of things that would be great to learn. I learnt all of these things and I was able to find new things that I also wanted to learn that I had to opportunity to do
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Lot's of support. I had a mentor throughout and the apprenticeship team was always open for any questions or advice that I needed. The managers in the driver team that I was working with where very helpful and supportive throughout my apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Lot's of support
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
They caught up me me regularly to ensure I was up to date but to offer support if I was struggling at any point. They was very supportive. It helped me perform well because I was doing a level 4 JMC and level 5 CMI for management. Tis helped me in my role because I was learning how to become a manager
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Lots of networking events such as DofE, manager networking events and many more.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Great Western Railway to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is like a huge family with so many different opportunities to grow and develop throughout your career no matter what job you go into, there is always something there. It is the best place I have ever worked and I would never leave
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Great Western Railway?
Talk about all the amazing things you have done and just be yourself. There is so much opportunity and it doesn't matter what background you have, we want you
