TransPennine Express has welcomed its first ever apprentice into the sustainability team.
Lucy Lightbown, an 18-year-old from Bolton, joins the most recent apprenticeship cohort. After two years, Lucy will gain a level four professional qualification in corporate responsibility and sustainability via LDN Apprenticeships Ltd.
Lucy’s decision to pursue an apprenticeship rather than a traditional university education was motivated by her deep passion for the environment. Lucy explained: “When I finished college, I knew that University was not the right option for me. When I heard about the apprenticeship opening at TransPennine Express it seemed like the perfect fit for me.
“This scheme will allow me to earn whilst I learn and make a positive impact on the environment at the same time.”
TransPennine Express operates trains and stations across the North of England and into Scotland. The company provides a fertile ground for Lucy and her fellow apprentices to gain an understanding of the rail industry. They will rotate through various areas of the business and see how all the pieces fit together to keep customers on the move. At the same time, they’ll gain essential skills for a career in the rail sector.
An apprentice to support the sustainability team
Lucy aims to contribute to TPE’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and encourage sustainable travel options. All of this will make the rail service even more eco-friendly. She added: “I’ve always been aware of TPE as it serves the area that I live and destinations I love to visit, such as the Lake District.
“When I saw the apprenticeship opening, I read up on the steps TPE has taken to improve its eco-efficiency and become more sustainable, which made me certain this would be a company I’d love to work for.
“I hope to help TPE continue to lower its carbon footprint, become as sustainable as possible, and encourage more people to take the train over less environmentally friendly travel options.”
Nicola Martin, head of sustainability for TPE, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Lucy into the sustainability team. In the short time she’s been with us she’s shown passion, commitment, and an eagerness to learn.”
A new initiative for TransPennine Express
Lucy’s education in sustainability will be facilitated by close collaboration with TPE’s sustainability team and industry experts.
The appointment follows TPE’s recent Sustainability Performance Report. In the report, the company highlighted its achievements in making green changes. These include upgrading heaters to be more energy efficient and trialling recycling bins for coffee cups.
“The apprenticeship programme and its expansion into wider areas of TPE demonstrates that we are actively promoting long-term careers and not just jobs,” said Nicola Martin. Nicola is head of sustainability for TransPennine Express. “We also have ambitious plans for increasing our social value through our community engagement activities, which Lucy will get involved in.
“Throughout the next two years Lucy will develop the skills she needs to succeed in a career within the rail industry and in sustainability.”
Feeling inspired? Read more about apprenticeships in vehicles and transport, or find out more about a corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioner apprenticeship.
