13 Feb 2026
At Transport for Wales, apprenticeships offer people the chance to build confidence, discover new strengths and take their first steps into long term careers.
Two colleagues who’ve experienced this first-hand are Finley and Keiran, who both joined TfW as apprentices and have since progressed into permanent roles within the organisation.
Finley joined TfW two years ago, beginning as the Sustainability Coordinator Apprentice before moving into the role of Future Generations Coordinator.
Finley explains, “I knew of Transport for Wales as a train operating company, however it was after seeing the vast number of apprenticeship opportunities that I fully started to see Transport for Wales in a different way. Routes into sustainability are not usually offered by employers… the area is quite niche.”
Keiran, now a Risk Analyst, also began the journey as an apprentice. Keiran was drawn to the hands-on nature of the role, saying, “I wanted to build a career while gaining a hands on experience. Risk management touches every area of TfW, and I enjoy understanding how different parts of a business connect.”
Both apprentices quickly found themselves growing in confidence. For Finley, a turning point came when delivering a presentation for the first time.
“I’ve never been good at talking to groups of people, little did I know a few months later I would be delivering a speech to 50 people!”
For Keiran, it was stepping in to facilitate a workshop attended by colleagues from across the organisation: “By the end, I had great feedback. I realised ‘Okay, I’m not just learning anymore, I’m contributing’.”
As they moved into permanent roles, their responsibilities expanded. Finley now supports major workstreams, explaining, “Their guidance set me up to be in the position I’m in now, chairing and leading meetings, leading workstreams on futures thinking and coordinating programmes like TfW’s own Railway200 programme.”
Keiran’s role has also evolved significantly: “This has now turned into me actively managing risks, contributing to wider business discussions, and helping shape how we improve our processes.”
Both credit their teams for the support they received. Finley says, “My manager was incredible, my wider team welcomed me with open arms.” Keiran adds, “I could not have asked for a better leader for my development. Colleagues always took the time to answer questions.”
Their advice for future apprentices is simple. Finley encourages people to show passion: “TfW are looking for someone keen and ready for a challenge.”.
Keiran highlights the importance of ambition: “Make it clear that you want to grow with the organisation. Teams notice enthusiasm and curiosity.”
Looking ahead, both are excited about what’s next. Finley says, “I know where I want to be in 5 years. I know I’m going in the right direction.”.
Keiran adds, “TfW is always evolving. Knowing I started as an apprentice and can grow into even bigger roles is genuinely motivating.”
Their journeys show how apprenticeships at TfW can open doors, build confidence and create meaningful careers and how the right support can help people grow far beyond what they first imagined.
