Meet Bob, 76, star of Thameslink's apprentice scheme in Luton

Bob Bryce, 76, is learning new skills with rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and busting stereotypes about age at the same time.

Bob said: “I joined the railway in 1999 and my biggest regret is that I didn’t do it sooner! It’s the best job I’ve ever had, which is why I want to keep working as long as possible.

“I’m a passenger host and team leader based at Luton station and I’m doing a Level 3 Supervisor apprenticeship so that I can improve my skills even further."

Over 69% of apprentices at GTR are over 30 and working in a range of roles, bucking the idea that apprenticeships are only available to younger people.

Bob added: "I was hesitant to do the apprenticeship at first because of my age – I left school over 60 years ago without any qualifications! It’s been hard at times to get back into the routine of learning again.

“In order to do the apprenticeship, I needed to get the equivalent of GCSE (grade A-C) passes in English and maths, which would mean that once I complete my course, I will gain a level 3 Apprenticeship which is equivalent to an A Level.

“I was really enjoying the physical lessons where you learn as part of the group. But, because of the pandemic everything had to switch to becoming virtual, which was another challenge I had to overcome.

"Although Covid-19 has delayed things, I’m on the home straight now with just one exam left to go. I think I must be the oldest apprentice in the UK!

“If I’d had my time again, I would’ve got a job in the railway as soon as I could. It’s a job for life and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn new things at my age. I don’t want to retire anytime soon! I want to keep my brain active and working and I would encourage anyone in later life to consider an apprenticeship because you’re never too old to learn something new.”

Zoey Hudson, Head of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion at GTR, added, “As an employer, our single greatest asset is our workforce, and the apprenticeship programmes have been a key driver in helping us recruit the most diverse, dynamic and skilled group of employees.

"We are very proud to see that so many different ages groups represented in our apprentice workforce. At GTR, we have set out to challenge the stereotypes associated with careers in rail, and our applicant numbers - as well as their demographic split - clearly show that more and more people are recognising it as an attractive and lifelong option.”