Train’d Up, the UK’s leading provider of rail apprenticeships and one of the country’s fastest-growing engineering apprenticeship providers, has announced the appointment of Gavin Higgins as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The appointment further strengthens the organisation’s executive leadership team following the recent appointments of Chief Executive Officer Emma Barrett-Peel and Chief Commercial Officer Jamie McVey, creating an experienced leadership group that combines expertise across operations, commercial strategy, finance and apprenticeship delivery.
Gavin joins Train’d Up with extensive senior financial leadership experience and will play a pivotal role in supporting the organisation’s long-term growth strategy, ensuring the business continues to invest in quality, innovation and sustainable expansion across the rail and engineering sectors.
His appointment comes as Train’d Up enters a new financial year with ambitious plans to expand its employer partnerships, invest in new apprenticeship programmes and continue building on its position as the UK’s largest provider of rail apprenticeships while accelerating growth across engineering and manufacturing.
The strengthened executive team reflects Train’d Up’s continued commitment to building a business capable of supporting employers nationwide through high-quality apprenticeship delivery, workforce development and long-term skills investment.
A leadership team built for growth
With Emma Barrett-Peel leading the strategic direction of the business, Laura Thompson overseeing compliance and operations, Jamie McVey driving commercial growth and employer partnerships, and Gavin Higgins leading the organisation’s financial strategy, Train’d Up has assembled a leadership team with significant experience across the education, skills and commercial sectors.
Together, the executive team will focus on delivering sustainable growth while maintaining the high-quality learner experience and employer satisfaction that has become synonymous with the Train’d Up brand.
CEO Perspective
Emma Barrett-Peel, Chief Executive Officer at Train’d Up, said:
“Building a great organisation starts with building a great leadership team, and I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Gavin to Train’d Up.
Gavin brings a wealth of financial and commercial expertise that will be invaluable as we continue our growth journey. As we enter a new financial year, we’re investing in every area of the business—from our people and technology to our curriculum and employer partnerships.
Gavin’s experience will help ensure we continue to grow sustainably while remaining focused on delivering exceptional outcomes for our learners and customers.
We have assembled an incredibly talented executive team with a shared ambition to become the provider of choice for technical skills across the UK, and I’m excited about what we will achieve together.”
Commercial Perspective
Jamie McVey, Chief Commercial Officer, added:
“Over the past few months we’ve been focused on building the foundations for the next chapter of Train’d Up, and bringing Gavin into the executive team is another significant milestone.
Strong commercial growth is only possible when it’s underpinned by robust financial leadership. Gavin’s experience will help us continue investing confidently in new programmes, new markets and even stronger support for our employer partners.
We’re entering this financial year with real momentum and I’m excited to work alongside Gavin as we continue expanding our impact across rail, engineering and manufacturing.”
Operational Perspective
Laura Thompson, Compliance and Operations Director, said:
“I’ve always believed that sustainable growth comes from having the right people around the table, and Gavin is a fantastic addition to our leadership team.
As our learner numbers, employer partnerships and programme portfolio continue to grow, having experienced financial leadership will be instrumental in helping us scale while maintaining the quality, compliance and learner experience that we’re proud of.
It’s an exciting time for Train’d Up, and I look forward to working closely with Gavin as we continue delivering outstanding outcomes for employers and apprentices across the UK.”
Gavin Higgins, Chief Financial Officer at Train’d Up, said:
“I’m delighted to be joining Train’d Up at such an exciting point in its journey. The business has built an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality apprenticeships and making a genuine difference to employers and learners across the UK.
With the backing of Chiltern Capital, there is a clear ambition to accelerate growth while maintaining the quality and values that have made Train’d Up so successful. I’m looking forward to working with Emma, Jamie, Laura and the wider team to help deliver that vision, ensuring we continue to invest in our people, our customers and the future of the business.”
Looking ahead
With a strengthened executive team now in place, Train’d Up enters the new financial year with significant momentum. Backed by Chiltern Capital and led by an experienced team with expertise across commercial growth, finance, operations and education, the business is well positioned to continue investing in its people, expanding its employer partnerships and delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes that help shape the future workforce across the rail and engineering sectors.
