Nexus apprentices start careers in South Tyneside after being chosen from 500
Nexus’ latest round of apprentices have started their training in South Tyneside.
Ten apprentices have started careers with Metro operator Nexus in South Tyneside, after being selected from over 500 applicants.
The new starters begin four-year engineering maintenance technician apprenticeships and were invited along with their families to Nexus’ Learning Centre in South Shields for an induction.
They met with their managers and learned more about the programme from training providers TDR Training and some current and previous apprentices.
Nine out of ten previous Nexus apprentices have progressed to permanent full-time employment with the organisation after their training.
The 10 will learn how to maintain equipment including ticket machines and ticket gates, lifts and escalators, CCTV, fire alarms, station lighting and more.
They will spend the next few months with TDR, learning practical mechanical, electrical and fitting skills, before joining their teams at Nexus for on-the-job training.
Nexus managing director Cathy Massarella 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.”
Ally Jennings, Nexus HR manager, 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.”
One new apprentice, Mirren Smith, 17, 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 had lived abroad.
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 to it.”