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News Category: People

Go-Ahead recognised as leading apprenticeship provider

14 July 2025

Go-Ahead recognised as leading apprenticeship provider

Go-Ahead’s investment in apprenticeships has been recognised by the Department for Education and by The Sunday Times in their Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list.

The recognition celebrates our on-going commitment to creating career opportunities for the next generation of transport professionals – and to build a workforce that truly reflects the communities we serve.

There are currently over 1,400 apprentices at Go-Ahead across rail and bus. The apprenticeship programmes cover customer services, engineering, management, and driving qualifications.

Go-Ahead recently announced a new bus engineering apprenticeship programme that focuses on attracting more people into the profession, including more women. The new programme will prepare apprentices for the future of sustainable, high-tech transport, and give them support from dedicated mentors every step of the way.

In rail, Govia Thameslink Railway offer 14 types of high-quality apprenticeships, including two new apprenticeship courses to support Women in leadership roles and a Career Returners programme.

Go-Ahead was ranked 12th in the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship employers 2025 and 28 in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2025

Sam Williams, Group People Director, Go-Ahead said: “We’re extremely proud of the high-quality apprenticeships we have on offer at Go-Ahead. These not only support people across our communities into the workforce but also set us up for future success.”

Go-Ahead makes multi-million-pound investment to excel in engineering

07 July 2025

Go-Ahead makes multi-million-pound investment to excel in engineering

Go-Ahead Group has made a multi-million-pound investment in engineering to create a clearer career pathway for emerging talent, increase the skills and knowledge of our engineering teams, and better prepare them for an accelerated rollout of zero-emission technology. The investment will create a new industry leading engineering apprenticeship programme and will develop the skills of Go-Ahead’s 900 engineers across the UK & Ireland.

Two new engineering academies in London and Greater Manchester will support the apprenticeship programme and host training for current engineers.

Go-Ahead’s engineers maintain over 6,000 buses and coaches for customers across the UK & Ireland, including the UK’s largest zero-emission fleet. The new training and apprenticeship programmes will set bold new standards in engineering by strengthening the skills of Go-Ahead’s talented engineers and by investing in future colleagues.

Go-Ahead’s existing engineers will receive training to enhance their skills and knowledge ready for the sustainable, high-tech future of public transport.

As an award-winning apprenticeship provider, Go-Ahead is committed to removing barriers to entry by funding driving lessons and exams for successful applicants, opening up engineering careers to people from all backgrounds.

Apprentices will initially learn about complex mechanical and electrical systems in classrooms and real-life settings before joining one of Go-Ahead’s operating companies to learn on the job, whilst gaining a qualification and earning a wage. The programme will be delivered in partnership with S&B Automotive Academy, one of the leading providers of apprenticeships to the automotive sector and will include placements with some of Go-Ahead’s other manufacturing partners. Dedicated mentors will help guide and support recruits throughout the programme.

With a rapidly growing zero-emission fleet, Go-Ahead is ensuring their existing and future engineers have the necessary skills to continue to operate and maintain these buses and ultimately play a vital role in the transition to zero-emission public transport.

Matt Carney, CEO, Go-Ahead Bus said: “Engineers are absolutely crucial to our industry. Our investment will help create a clear career pathway for anyone interested in becoming an engineer. This includes women who are underrepresented in engineering, and I am very pleased to see that 20% of our first apprentices are women. This is a great start towards gender diversity. Our engineering academies will also develop our existing team of engineers, upskilling them so that they’re set up for success and provide leadership training to our emerging leaders. This means that as we grow and evolve, we will continue to have the best engineers in the industry, which is great for our teams and for our customers.”

This investment forms part of Go-Ahead’s commitment to have a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035.

 

Go-Ahead becomes founding partner of Rebuilding Futures Alliance

18 June 2025

Go-Ahead becomes founding partner of Rebuilding Futures Alliance

Go-Ahead is proud to become a founding partner of Rebuilding Futures Alliance (RFA) to support people with low-level past convictions into meaningful employment. By equipping individuals with career opportunities, the partnership seeks to break the cycle of reoffending while contributing to economic growth.

RFA is a not-for-profit organisation that brings together charities that support former offenders join the rail, bus and other transport sectors, offering them a real second chance.

Go-Ahead provides a wide range of fulfilling career opportunities that help connect billions of customers and their communities through essential bus and rail services. By partnering with RFA, Go-Ahead will explore how to support people with low-level past convictions re-enter the workplace and build rewarding careers.

Go-Ahead’s involvement as a founding partner aligns with its commitment to creating social value and building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. This commitment drives its award-winning apprenticeship scheme, its Go-Ahead Women programme and its partnerships with organisations such as The King’s Trust.

Miguel Parras, Group Chief Executive, Go-Ahead Group said: “Everyone should have the chance to build a meaningful and rewarding career. By partnering with RFA we hope we can offer people who deserve a second chance the sense of purpose and satisfaction that working at Go-Ahead provides.”

Chris Leech MBE, Business Development Director, RFA said: “We’re delighted that Go-Ahead has joined the RFA to support us break the cycle of reoffending. The RFA’s mission is not just to place people into jobs but to rebuild their futures. Employment is the single most powerful factor in reducing reoffending. With the right support and the right role, people can transform their lives and contribute positively to their communities. The transport industry offers fantastic careers that can help change lives and positively impacting far beyond those engaged.”

 

 

Go-Ahead Non-Executive Director awarded OBE

16 June 2025

Go-Ahead Non-Executive Director awarded OBE


Louise Cheeseman, Non-Executive Director has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours list 2025 for her services to the transport industry and diversity.

Louise’s illustrious career in public transport has been marked by her pioneering initiatives, particularly those aimed at supporting and empowering women in the industry. In 2023, she founded Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC), a national network created to encourage, represent, support, and retain women in the bus and coach profession. Her passion for this cause has made a profound impact, fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment within public transport sector.

As well as Non-Executive Director at Go-Ahead, Louise serves also as Non-Executive Director at Transport for Wales, Chair of Trustees for Rebuilding Futures Alliance and Chair of WiBC.

Louise has held senior positions across both the public and private sectors, including as Managing Director for Hull Trains and Director of Bus at Transport for London, where she was responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the capital’s bus services including the delivery of the zero-carbon strategy.

Commenting on her award, Miguel Parras, Group CEO of Go-Ahead said: “We’re delighted that Louise has received this recognition for the incredible impact she has made on our industry. We’re very fortunate to have Louise on our Board and are very grateful for her contribution towards our growth strategy, achieving our ambitious decarbonisation goals and reaching our equality targets.”

Announcement on Andrew Wickham, MBE

25 May 2025

Announcement on Andrew Wickham, MBE

It is with great sadness that Go-Ahead confirms that Andrew Wickham MBE, Managing Director, Go South Coast has passed away.

Andrew was a much-loved colleague and valued member of Go-Ahead for over thirty years. He was an Operations Manager with London General before becoming Go-Ahead Group’s Development Manager under Chris Moyes. When Wilts & Dorset was acquired by Go-Ahead in 2003, he became Operations Director beginning a 20 year association with the area. He was Manging Director of Plymouth CityBus between 2009 and 2011 before returning to the south coast and remaining there as Managing Director ever since. Under Andrew’s leadership for the last 14 years, Go South Coast has gone from strength to strength, winning multiple awards including Route One and UK Bus Awards ‘Operator of the Year’ accolades on multiple occasions.

Andrew’s expertise and leadership skills were most evident in 2022 when Yellow Buses went into administration potentially leaving large areas of Bournemouth without a bus service. Andrew and his team took over 80 buses worth of work with only a gap of 24 hours – a feat which was applauded and recognised by the local community.

His contribution to the bus industry and the impact of his career was illustrated by his recognition in the 2025 King’s New Year’s Honours list, where he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

“”
On behalf of everyone at Go-Ahead and Go South Coast I want to pass on our deep condolences to Andrew’s family and loved ones. Andrew was a fantastic colleague, and he will be greatly missed. He made a big impression on our business and we will honour his legacy at the appropriate time.

Miguel Parras

Group Chief Executive

“”
I had the privilege of working with Andrew for 26 years. His enthusiasm and passion for serving his community was admirable and the loyalty of his team at Go South Coast is a testament to Andrew’s character. We will all miss him.

Martin Dean

Managing Director UK Regional Bus

Chris Fowler appointed as Managing Director for GTS

02 April 2025

Chris Fowler appointed as Managing Director for GTS

Chris Fowler will take on the role as Managing Director for GTS, the future operator of the Elizabeth line.

GTS is a joint venture between Go Ahead, Tokyo Metro and Sumitomo Corporation and will be responsible for operating the Elizabeth line from 25 May 2025.

Chris joins GTS from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) where he is Network Operations Director and is responsible for performance on one of the UK’s largest and most complex rail operations.

GTR manages four rail companies and is responsible for almost 20% of all UK rail journeys. It operates over 1 billion journeys every year and is a leader in adopting new technology, including leading the introduction of digital signalling on the UK mainline rail network.

Chris’ experience spans both private and public sectors with his current role split with Network Rail Sussex. He started his career with Transport for London where he held roles including Train Operations Manager and Chief of Staff to Managing Director. He has also served as Customer Services Director at GTR’s Southern Railway and as interim Managing Director for Southern Railway and Gatwick Express.

Patrick Verwer, CEO, Rail, Go-Ahead said: “Chris will make an excellent partner to Transport for London with his knowledge that strong partnership between private and public sector is vital in delivering the best service for customers. His expertise and leadership will help us build on the success of the Elizabeth line as GTS takes on the responsibility for operating the most popular railway in the country, on behalf of TfL.”

Chris Fowler added: “I’m delighted to be appointed as the Managing Director of GTS. The Elizabeth line has already transformed travel in London, becoming the UK’s busiest rail line. It’s a shining example of how investment in our capital’s transport network can drive economic growth and help enrich lives every day; as a proud Londoner, I’m excited for GTS to build on this success. By working with colleagues across the network, we will unlock the line’s full potential as a world-class railway, be a fantastic place to work, and represent London’s position as a global leader in transport.”

Chris Fowler

Go-Ahead trials new approach to accelerate the transition to greener buses

17 March 2025

Go-Ahead trials new approach to accelerate the transition to greener buses

Go-Ahead, a leading zero emission bus operator, has launched a new trial to convert diesel buses to electric vehicles.

In partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, Go North West has worked with WrightBus to retrofit a diesel bus, speeding up the decarbonisation process and extending the longevity of the bus.

The converted bus is part of Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, the UK’s first franchised bus operation outside London where Go-Ahead is already operating 69 zero emission buses from its Bolton depot.

This forms part of Go-Ahead’s commitment for a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2035. As well as almost 1,000 zero emission buses, Go-Ahead operates electric depots across the country, including the award-winning fully electric garage in Waterloo and the largest electric bus depot in the UK, in Northumberland Park. Go-Ahead also operates buses that use alternative fuel, such as hydrogen buses.

“”
Last year we made an investment of half-a-billion pounds to deliver more than 1,000 additional zero emission buses with WrightBus. Additionally, in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, we’re seeing how we can decarbonise our existing buses using NewPower. Our partners WrightBus and Transport for Greater Manchester have been excellent to work with and we’re excited about the potential this technology provides. We’re committed to working with Transport for Greater Manchester to achieve net zero across their Bee Network.

Martin Dean

Managing Director, UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead

Go-Ahead opens a new office to target rail opportunities in Australia and New Zealand

17 February 2025

Go-Ahead opens a new office to target rail opportunities in Australia and New Zealand

Go-Ahead has opened a new office in Melbourne to explore rail opportunities in Australia and New Zealand, where it can apply its knowledge of operating large and complex rail operations for millions of customers.

Go-Ahead operates billions of rail journeys each year for customers in the UK and the Nordics. It has established itself as a trusted partner, working on complex operations to deliver reliable, punctual and welcoming rail services.

In the UK, Go-Ahead is one of the largest rail operators. Through Govia Thameslink Railway, which manages four rail companies in the south of England, it is responsible for almost 20% of all UK rail journeys. It operates over 1 billion journeys every year and is a leader in adopting new technology, including leading the introduction of digital signalling on the UK mainline rail network. From May 2025, Go-Ahead will take over the operation of the iconic Elizabeth line in London, the new flagship railway network in London that has quickly become one of the most popular and fastest growing railways in the country, serving more than 700,000 customers a day.

Go-Ahead is also expanding its rail operations in the Nordics, where it already runs services in Norway. Later this year, Go-Ahead will start operating Stockholm’s Metro network, as part of the largest public transport contract in continental Europe, serving 350 million passengers annually.

Piero McCarthy has been appointed as Business Development Director for Go-Ahead Rail, Australia and New Zealand. Piero brings twenty years’ worth of industry experience and has held senior business development roles at Go-Ahead and led operations within the UK’s largest rail franchise, Govia Thameslink Railway.

Patrick Verwer, CEO, Rail, Go-Ahead said: “We have ambitious plans to build on our recent success and continue to grow our rail operations. We’re excited about exploring opportunities in Australia and New Zealand where we can apply our experience of operating busy, complex transport networks.”

From graduate to leading Go-Ahead’s Fastrack operations

19 December 2024

From Graduate to leading Go-Ahead’s Fastrack operations

Go-Ahead has appointed Isobel Hedley-Jones as its new Head of Fastrack Operations, effective from 1 January 2025.

Isobel first joined Go-Ahead London in 2021 as a graduate and has since worked in operations and business development working on Go-Ahead’s bid for Fastrack, before time in Australia as part of the bus mobilisation team for U-Go Mobility.

She has since managed the company partnership with Kent County Council for Fastrack before joining the mobilisation team in January 2024.

Commenting on her appointment to the role, Isobel Hedley-Jones said: “I’m proud to be taking on this role for Go-Ahead and to continue to build on our positive relationship with Kent County Council, our client for the Fastrack network. I’m looking forward to leading our brilliant team to ensure we deliver the highest standard of service possible for the communities we serve across Kent”.

Martin Dean, Managing Director of UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead Group said: “We’re extremely pleased to appoint Isobel to this role, her knowledge and experience has developed rapidly since she first joined Go-Ahead as a graduate in 2021 – this appointment is also a testament to her hard work”.
He added: “We are determined to build an inclusive working environment and Isobel’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to supporting and developing the growth of more women leaders in our business”.

Go-Ahead started operating the Fastrack contract in November, which will run for 15 years and is worth £110 million, and is part of the company’s UK regional bus portfolio.

Victoria Garcia MBE wins Route One Special Award

14 November 2024

Victoria Garcia MBE wins Route One Special Award

Victoria Garcia MBE from Brighton and Hove Buses and Metrobus, part of the Go-Ahead Group, was recognised with the Special Award at last night’s Route One awards ceremony in Birmingham.

The Special Award is a unique accolade determined solely by the judges and awarded to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the industry, deserving of special recognition.

Victoria has shown great determination to push boundaries to improve accessibility and inclusion for all bus users. She is recognised as the go-to professional for accessibility in the industry.

Her transformational work includes working in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society to deliver dementia friendly flooring and seating to enable those customers with dementia to have confidence to travel safely and more often.

Recently she partnered with the Thomas Pocklington Trust, the Sight Loss Council and the Driving Vehicle Standards Authority (DVSA) to develop the national and local bus and coach operators training materials to improve driver awareness of customers with visual impairments, building confidence in their use of buses, and drive equity and inclusion for all.

“”
I am delighted that Victoria’s achievements have been deservedly recognised at the Route One awards. Working with our customers and in our communities is so important for us as a business and her compassionate approach, along with her proactive engagement in community initiatives, and commitment to fostering an increasingly inclusive environment are an invaluable resource for the continued growth and success of all our bus companies and the customers we serve.

Matt Carney

CEO, Go-Ahead Bus