Trainline, the leading independent train and coach travel platform, has launched an apprenticeship program to support young professionals without university degrees to get their first job in tech.
The program, which is delivered in partnership with Multiverse, sees apprentices develop in-demand skills on programmes such as Data Analytics and Software Engineering.
Eight apprentices will join the Trainline team initially, with two in the first cohort joining the Advanced Data Fellowship – a degree-level apprenticeship that covers areas like statistical testing, data ethics, predictive modelling and data security. Four of the apprentices will be taking on roles in software engineering and two will be joining the HR team.
Across the UK, just 30% of roles within data and analytics are held by women, and only 3% are from a black, Caribbean and African ethnicity, so the recruitment process for Trainline’s apprentices was targeted towards candidates from backgrounds that are underrepresented in tech spaces.
The first cohort was recruited in September and begin their training this week. Trainline plans to recruit more apprentice cohorts in future.
Jody Ford, CEO of Trainline, said: “We know from experience how essential it is to have a diverse team – it means we can build the best possible products for our diverse customer base and can adapt more quickly to their needs as they change. If we want to continue to facilitate world-class innovation, we have to help more people to overcome the barriers there are in joining the tech industry. It’s incredibly exciting to welcome our new team members and to play a part in launching their careers in tech.”
Training will be delivered by Multiverse, a startup tech company building an outstanding alternative to university and corporate training through apprenticeships. The company announced the closing of a $130 million Series C funding round earlier this year and now trains over 5,000 tech, leadership and digital apprentices.
Multiverse matches talented individuals with careers and delivers world-class training in a wide range of qualifications in leadership, digital and technology. Apprentices benefit from one-to-one coaching with an industry expert and are supported by a thriving community with events, socials, mentoring and leadership programmes designed to exceed the best of the university experience.
Euan Blair, CEO and founder of Multiverse, said: “Apprenticeships are the best way to attract talented people from diverse backgrounds. Across every community, young people see them as a brilliant way to get trained, paid and launch a career at exciting companies like Trainline.”
Aysha Ali, an apprentice on the cohort, said: “I’m really excited to start this apprenticeship, and gain real-life experience in the data industry, as well as a great qualification to match. I’m also looking forward to working alongside experienced professionals at Trainline to get advice on how to excel in data and in business.”
