Open access operator Lumo has shared news that sixteen of new apprentices have made the switch from the classroom to the cab of its Class 222 fleet.
The operator is currently gearing up to launch a new service along the West Coast Main Line in the coming months, joining its existing services on the East Coast Main Line connecting destinations such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle with London.
Once operational, the route will link London Euston directly to Stirling, also calling at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld) and Larbert.
Training of the new apprentices for the service first began in June 2025 with a course including both practical and theoretical elements.
Lindsay Gauntlett, Head of People and Culture at Lumo, said:We’re proud of the progress of our new apprentices preparing to help us launch our new route connecting London Euston and Stirling.
Nearly all Lumo colleagues have had the opportunity to train through our apprenticeship programme with Train’d Up. As a company, we believe in supporting local people to have the opportunity to work in the rail industry, regardless of their previous career and background.
Lumo has also shared a first-look at the interiors of the refurbished Class 222 trains, which have been updated with new grey and silver seating across their single-class seating plans.
The operator has stated it will soon open a new HQ in Preston for services due to operate on the West Coast Main Line, with tickets going on sale in due course.
