Media centre

Wednesday 24 Apr 2013

Thames Valley graduates invited to join rail industry Track & Train scheme

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

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 the Thames Valley, 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.

Anna Maria Stavrou, 23, from London, obtained a Geography degree and has worked at Network Rail’s offices in Paddington as part of the scheme. She said: “If at first you don’t find your ideal job then don’t give up, start at the bottom and work your way up. Sometimes the best jobs are the ones that pop out of nowhere like the track and train scheme. I think the railway is a much more complex system than what a passenger sees, there are so many people involved in every step of the decision process and a lot of planning goes into every project. I have become much more appreciative of the work that goes on in the background especially when one of my trains is delayed.”

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.”

Keith Greenfield, Heathrow Express Managing Director, said: "Heathrow Express are delighted to be part of the Track and Train graduate scheme. The calibre of the graduates we have had on placement has been of an excellent standard and we are delighted to be part of a scheme to bring talented young individuals into the rail industry."