A TRAIN company is looking for apprentice drivers in the North-East - and you don't need previous experience in the transport industry.

LNER has opened up this year's applications for full-time apprentices who will train as drivers and be based in Newcastle.

The role, which will involve a year-long training programme, will see apprentices paid a minimum of £28,711, with the salary rising once qualified.

According to LNER, the role will involve a 35-hour working week to begin with, while apprentices will work towards a Level 3 qualification.

This comes as last week, the company marked the work of more than 80 apprentices working for the company for National Apprenticeship Week.

Anna Maggs, apprentice train driver with LNER, said “I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship and the amount I’m learning from the experience.

"From studying in a classroom, sitting in a simulator, and then driving a real train, it is quite a journey.

"I feel proud to look back and think about how much I've achieved in such a short period of time”

The company, which operates services between Scotland, the North-East, North Yorkshire and London, was recently awarded 'UK Top Employer' in January this year.

Karen Lewis, people director at LNER, said that the recent recruitment drive helped the company "attract fresh talent" into the rail industry.

She said: “Apprenticeships play an important part in helping us support the development of existing employees as well as attracting fresh talent into the rail industry.

"LNER values the contribution of all of our apprentices and we are delighted to be supporting them in gaining new experience as well as a recognised qualification.”

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