SVR Apprentices

The SVRSevern Valley Railway Junior Club was formed around 1990 and later became the SVRSevern Valley Railway Apprentices, though it is still sometimes called by both names. It should not be confused with the Heritage Skills Training Academy which offers formal Apprenticeships to the over 16s.

It enables youngsters aged 11 to 13 inclusive who are interested in railways to apply to join in various activities. It is organised in two groups, those aged 11 to 12 and those aged 13. It is limited to 8 in the younger group and 6 in the older to work safely and allow the Volunteer Liaison Office to place the 14 year olds in the limited places available for senior apprentices, although this can lead to a long waiting list. the Junior Club has been the initial stepping-stone for many of the younger current SVRSevern Valley Railway volunteers, enough in total to run the railway as was demonstrated during 'Don's Day' in August 2015. It uses GWR 5804 Brake Third in Bewdley Down Yard as a mess coach. The Club supervisors are SVRSevern Valley Railway members have some railway knowledge who work with the youngsters on a regular basis and in all weather conditions, and hold an enhanced DBS.

As the SVRSevern Valley Railway Junior Club it has a small shareholding in Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) PLC.

Projects in which SVRSevern Valley Railway Apprentices have been involved include GWR 4930 Hagley Hall, Barry Railway Carriage 163, LNER 24506 Brake Third and LNER 52255 Open Third. The Club also join other members on the SVRSevern Valley Railway stand attending Warley National Model Railway Exhibition. Apprentices each year dress in animal character costumes to entertain the waiting youngsters at Arley on each Saturday and Sunday of Santa running. As a thank you, traditionally the Club organises a get together early in January, with food prepared by the senior supervisors. The buffet lunch is rounded off with suitably educational railway films.

See also

GWR 5804 Brake Third