At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn and develop customer service skills across various roles in a dynamic railway environment.
- Company: Join GWR, the proud custodian of Brunel's railway, with exciting plans for the future.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, gain qualifications, and enjoy team-building events.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team transforming train travel into a fun experience for customers.
- Qualifications: Must be over 16, with GCSEs in Maths and English or equivalent.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity, with flexible working options available.
The predicted salary is between 1160 - 1360 £ per month.
GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious networks in the world and with the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services. With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over 275 stations in the South West, from Cornwall to Bristol, South Wales and London, passing through beautiful country and some of the UK's top tourist destinations. We're changing the way people think about train travel, enabling our teams to make it a great experience for our customers. Together, we will restore the railways as a very special way to travel – friendly, relaxing, fast, efficient and fun.
As a Customer Service Apprentice at GWR, you'll train and learn, while you earn. You'll get an opportunity to experience a variety of on board and station work placements including Station Operations, Gateline, Customer Host, Ticket Office and Revenue Protection where you'll gain real customer service skills. You will have lots of opportunity to learn from our experienced colleagues and our academic partners.
Who are you? You'll enjoy working with people, both customers and colleagues, have great communication and team working skills. You'll bring with you your enthusiasm to learn and a commitment to broadening your knowledge and understanding. Essentially, you must be over 16 years of age, live within one hour of your chosen location, and have GCSEs (or equivalent level 1 qualification (or predicted) results) in Maths and English.
Our scheme offers vocational training, development sessions, team building events and on-the-job training. You'll get the opportunity to attain a Passenger Transport Level 2 qualification. You'll also undertake the Duke of Edinburgh Business Gold Award. To achieve the Award isn't a competition or about being first – it's about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
GWR is a place where you can truly be your unique self, thrive and be part of an awesome family. As an Apprentice, you will be contracted to work 35 hours per week. Shifts will not start earlier than 07:00 or finish later than 20:00 and will include weekend working. You must be able to travel to your base location independently and arrive by 07:00 if public transport is unavailable. Your working week will run from Monday to Saturday and will include one rest day and one study day. Overnight stays may be required during training periods.
The apprenticeship scheme starts on 1st September 2026 and is for 18 months. The recruitment process will involve:
- Completion of your online application form
- A series of online testing
- If shortlisted, you will be invited to attend a selection event scheduled 2nd April 2026.
The closing date for applications is midnight 10th March 2026.
The salary details are as follows:
- Starting Salary for Under 18's is £14,607
- Starting Salary for Over 18's is £24,557
For more information and queries regarding the application process, please contact the Recruitment Team at gwrrecruitment@gwr.com.
We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability. We maintain zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent. We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive. We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details. If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below.
Customer Service Apprentice - East in Maidenhead employer: First Group
Contact Detail:
First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Apprentice - East in Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know GWR and its values! Research the company culture and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Customer Service Apprentice, you'll be interacting with customers and colleagues all the time. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence and improve your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to GWR. Building relationships can give you insider tips and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining the GWR family. Don’t forget to follow up if you don’t hear back!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Apprentice - East in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for customer service and your eagerness to learn.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match what we’re looking for in a Customer Service Apprentice. It’ll help us see why you’d be a great fit!
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check all your details. Spelling mistakes or missing information can make a bad impression. We want to see that you’ve put in the effort!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Group
✨Know Your Customer Service Basics
Before the interview, brush up on key customer service principles. Understand what makes a great customer experience and be ready to share examples of how you've provided excellent service in the past or how you would handle specific situations.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
GWR values enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. During your interview, express your excitement about the apprenticeship and the opportunity to work with customers. Share why you want to be part of their team and how you can contribute to making train travel a fantastic experience.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, think of examples where you've successfully worked as part of a team. Be ready to discuss how you communicate with others, resolve conflicts, and support your colleagues to achieve common goals.
✨Understand GWR's Values
Familiarise yourself with GWR's mission and values. Knowing their commitment to inclusivity and customer satisfaction will help you align your answers with what they stand for. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their culture.