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Tuesday 16 Apr 2013

Rail industry to offer 50 more places on Track & Train graduate placement scheme

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National

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 Glasgow, York or Manchester, for example, will be placed at companies in those areas. 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.

 

Simona Lungu, 23, graduated with 1st class honours from Nottingham Business School in 2011, and has been working with Network Rail and Transport for London on the Track & Train scheme. She commented: “As graduates we have had endless opportunities to develop and explore Network Rail and other train operating companies; everyone has been so supportive and willing to help us learn. To my greatest delight I discovered the complexity of the railway industry, where regardless of your background or career aspirations you will find something that suits you.”

Sam Livesey, 22, from Harrogate, obtained a geography degree from the University of Manchester has been on the scheme working for East Coast Trains and Network Rail in Leeds. He said: “As somewhere to work my view of the railway has changed massively. Previously it didn’t seem like an option, as perhaps it seemed a little bit dull, or too specialist to get into. I knew there would be a variety of jobs but the scale of the variety has surprised me, with so many different roles, there is something to suit everyone, and no danger of getting bored.”

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.”