Tuesday 16 Apr 2013
More Midlands places on rail industry Track & Train graduate scheme
- Region & Route:
Rail companies serving the West Midlands are seeking 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. In total, 50 places will be offered nation-wide.
The scheme, funded by Network Rail and launched in January 2012, involves companies based across Britain including Chiltern Railways and Virgin Trains, which serve the West Miidlands area. It has targeted 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.
Andrew Tustin, 24, is a history and economics graduate from the University of Manchester, and has been working on the multi-million pound Birmingham New Street redevelopment project with Network Rail and with Chiltern Railways in a customer service role. He said: "The most beneficial part of the scheme has been being placed in a business environment as I have learnt how to communicate effectively with others in a professional setting. It has also developed my self confidence and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working as part of a team working on a huge live project."
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.”
Notes to editors
- Typical roles in Track & Train will be in network operations, station and train teams, customer service, sales and marketing, route strategy, asset management and project management. There will not be roles in corporate functions such as finance, IT or engineering, where the industry has bespoke graduate schemes already in place.
- Additional coaching and mentoring classes will be provided at Network Rail’s development centre where those on the scheme will receive advice on how to present a great CV, interview techniques and presentations skills.
- People can apply until 13 May at: http://www.trackandtrain.org.uk
FAQ:
- Who is eligible to apply? Anyone who has graduated in the last two years and is not in a graduate level role. This isn’t about someone who has had work, and now found themselves unemployed. We’re trying to give those who have recently graduated a chance to get their first step on the career ladder.
- When will they start? Applicants need to be available to start on 1October 2013.
- How much will they be paid? £22k per annum.
- Is there a guaranteed job at the end? No but the experience gained will put them in an excellent position to apply for roles on offer within the rail industry or outside it at that time. Employers value candidates that can demonstrate how they have put the skills learnt at university into practice. This scheme will enable them to do this.
What companies are involved?
- c2c
- Chiltern Railways
- CrossCountry
- Department for Transport
- East Coast Trains
- Eurostar
- Eversholt Rail UK Ltd
- Greater Anglia
- Heathrow Express
- HS1
- London TravelWatch
- Network Rail
- Southeastern
- South West Trains
- Transport for London
- Virgin Trains
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