NETWORK Rail is inviting young people and their families to its delivery unit in Swindon on Saturday to experience life as a railway apprentice.

The day is aimed at those looking for apprenticeships to start this September, and also those who may be considering them for the future.

Prospective apprentices can view live demonstrations, and a presentation on the scheme itself.

Michelle Palin, who heads up recruitment for the Network Rail scheme, said: “It’s a very exciting time to work in the West of England with the major programme of £5bn to transform the Great Western main line over the next five years.

"We need more highly skilled people to help us meet the challenges of a busier network and focus on improving the reliability of the railway and increasing capacity as passenger numbers continue to grow.

“Many of our apprentices go on to be team leaders and managers and take up the opportunity to further their education through Network Rail. I look forward to meeting lots of young men and women and their families to showcase the exciting opportunities available at Network Rail."

To attend, email advanced@networkrail.co.uk. For more about the scheme, visit www.facebook.com/ontrack