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Tuesday 23 Apr 2013

Places available on unique rail industry graduate scheme in the south of England

Region & Route:

| Southern

The rail industry is seeking 50 more graduates to join its unique 18-month Track & Train work placement scheme.

Graduates are employed and paid 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 range of experience.

The scheme, funded by Network Rail and launched in January 2012, involves companies based across Britain providing local employment opportunities. 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.

Joanna Lymboussis, a Track & Train graduate who has a full time job with Network Rail’s Kent route after completing her placement, said: “For those who don’t know what they want to do, a graduate scheme such as this is the perfect way to taste different job roles and find out which path to pursue. The railway is made up of people of varying backgrounds with experience in many other industries which really helps to inform you about what you can achieve in your own career.

“I am pleased to have successfully applied for a full-time position with Network Rail and am excited about what the future holds for me within the rail industry.”

Graham Spiby, who worked on the Wessex route, which covers south and south west England, with the Network Rail and South West Trains Alliance said: “I was located on the Richmond, Reading and Windsor area of the network working with station managers handling crowds connected to events such as Royal Ascot, rugby matches at Twickenham and tennis at Wimbledon.

“There have been lots of opportunities which have allowed me to improve my skills sets, widen my knowledge and get hands on experience. No day has been the same and I have thoroughly enjoyed the scheme since day one.”

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.”

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. Roles in corporate functions such as finance, IT or engineering are not available as the industry already has bespoke graduate schemes in place.