Apprentices get their careers on track

The new starters are all embarking on a four-year Engineering Maintenance Technician apprenticeship, after they were selected from over 500 applications.

The apprentices and their families were invited to Nexus’ Learning Centre in South Shields for an induction. They met with their managers and heard more about the programme from training providers TDR Training and some current and previous apprentices.

Managing Director, Cathy Massarella, who also met them said: “Congratulations to all our new apprentices. We’re delighted they chose us and hope this is the beginning of a fulfilling, challenging and enjoyable career with Nexus.

“We’re an essential public service in the region, and on top of the day-to-day operations, we’re also leading on some huge projects, so it’s a great time to join us. Apprentices are the future of our workforce and I’m looking forward to seeing this group progress.”

Nexus has a successful track record in recruiting apprentices, with nine out of ten previous apprentices progressing to permanent full-time employment in the organisation when they complete their training.

Ally Jennings, HR Manager at Nexus, said: “Apprenticeships are vital for our long-term future and are an ideal route for both us and the apprentices. They provide us with fresh ideas, new thinking and solid succession planning for critical roles, and the apprentices learn bespoke skills and competencies.

“We have gained countless skilled and engaged permanent employees who first joined us as apprentices, and we’re looking forward to the 2026 cohort joining them.”

During their training, the apprentices will learn how to maintain key aspects of Nexus infrastructure, including ticket machines and ticket gates, lifts and escalators, CCTV, fire alarms, station lighting and more.

Mirren Smith, 17, is one of the new apprentices. She said: “I’m really interested in how things work, so this apprenticeship seemed ideal. I can’t wait to get started with the training and work with the maintenance teams.”

Glen Hind, 36, had previously been a Police Officer and lived abroad before returning to the UK. He said: “I’ve always wanted to find a trade and I’m really keen to learn new skills and put them into practice so this is ideal. It’s time for a fresh start and I’m really looking forward it to.”

The apprentices will spend the next few months with TDR Training, learning practical mechanical, electrical and fitting skills, before joining their teams at Nexus for their on-the-job training.