Media centre

Wednesday 24 Apr 2013

Graduates in the east of England invited to join rail industry Track & Train scheme

Region & Route:

| Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

The rail industry is seeking 50 more graduates to join its unique 18-month paid work placement scheme, Track & Train. Graduates are employed for three, six-month placements: one at Network Rail and two at either a passenger or freight operator or another company within the rail sector to gain a broad range of experience.

The scheme, funded by Network Rail and launched in January 2012, involves companies based across Britain providing local employment opportunities – i.e. those living in Essex or London, for example, will be placed at companies in those areas. The scheme is open to young people who have graduated in the last two years but owing to the tough economic times have found themselves either unemployed or more likely under-employed in a non-graduate level role.

Simona Lungu, 23, obtained a degree from Nottingham University and has been on the scheme working for Network Rail’s level crossing team on the Anglia route as part of the Track & Train scheme. She said: "Without a doubt I see the railway as a whole with a complete new pair of eyes. From buying a train ticket, to taking a rail replacement bus or evacuating a station in case of a fire threat, I understand how much effort and passion is being put behind the scenes to deliver a service on time, whilst having safety as a top priority."

Patrick Butcher, Network Rail’s group finance director, responsible for the scheme, said: “We know that there are many smart, talented individuals out there that haven’t had their break yet and as a growing industry we can work together to provide challenging, valuable and paid work experience to kick start their careers.

“I’m pleased but not surprised that those who joined us last year have found the placements rewarding and that they can see a potential career in the rail industry. I know that some have already secured permanent positions and we hope to unearth some more untapped talent this year.”

Michelle Smart, Greater Anglia’s director of human resources and safety assurance, said: "We are very pleased to be a part of the Track and Train scheme which is helping to attract talented people to the railway. Our interns have all been of a very high quality and we look forward to further success from the scheme in the future."

Lesley Dorrington, c2c head of human resources, said: “The first wave of the Track and Train scheme has been a great success and we’re continuing to support the scheme whole-heartedly. At c2c we have given our graduate trainees real responsibility, from managing stations to helping develop our plan for the Olympics. The graduates have flourished in this environment, and I am sure the experience will be hugely beneficial as they develop their careers in the industry."