Lumo graduates drivers ahead of West Coast launch

A rail operator is preparing to expand its network with the graduation of its latest group of apprentice drivers.

Lumo has celebrated the qualification of its first trainee drivers for its upcoming West Coast Main Line service, marking a “key milestone” ahead of its expansion.

The apprentice customer drivers have completed a comprehensive training programme, combining practical and theoretical learning supported by experienced team members at the company’s Newcastle headquarters, which is home to the company’s state-of-the-art training simulator.  

Lindsay Gauntlett, head of people and culture at Lumo, said: “The graduation of this group of talented and dedicated apprentices is a key milestone as we prepare to launch our new West Coast route. 

“Supporting people to enter the rail industry, regardless of their previous career and background, is incredibly important to us as a company. 

“We’re proud that 95 per cent of our team have joined through our successful apprenticeship programme, in partnership with Train’d Up. 

“Thank you to Dame Chi for joining us to mark this significant moment, as the drivers now begin their route learning on the West Coast, ready to serve our customers.” 

Lewis Gow, one of the apprentices who has now successfully qualified as a Customer Driver, said: “The support from Lumo throughout this process has been amazing, with the customer driver managers in particular offering invaluable guidance to myself and the other apprentices.  

“Being part of a brand-new service is a unique, exciting opportunity and I can’t wait to start officially welcoming our first customers onboard this spring.  

“The best part of the job for me is the views. 

“The journey I’ll be driving between Stirling and London is stunning and the views are ever-changing with the seasons. 

“I’m so lucky that I’ll be doing this for a living.” 

Dame Chi Onwurah MP, Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, who joined the apprentices to celebrate their graduation, added: “It was a privilege to join the graduation at Lumo’s Newcastle HQ and meet the newly qualified train drivers. 

“These apprentices have successfully completed an intensive programme, using state-of-the-art simulation technology to prepare for the upcoming West Coast service. 

“Lumo’s commitment to the North East is clear, with 95 per cent of their team joining through their apprenticeship programme in partnership with Train’d Up.

“By opening up careers in rail to people from all backgrounds, Lumo is not only launching a pioneering new route but also building a vital skills base for our community in Newcastle. 

“I look forward to seeing these drivers welcome their first passengers this spring.” 

Lumo’s new West Coast service is set to launch in the coming months, connecting London Euston with Stirling, with additional stops including Preston, Crewe and Carlisle, offering lower-cost travel options for passengers.

Further recruitment is underway, including driver instructors and customer experience roles, as Lumo prepares to scale operations.

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