Greater Anglia helps graduates get careers on track

Greater Anglia has welcomed two new graduate interns under the industry wide Track and Train paid work placement scheme.

Michael Asare (from Edmonton) and Alexander Barker-Singh (from Harrow) will undertake a wide range of roles during their time at Greater Anglia and are currently working with the Asset Management team.

The Track and Train scheme, funded by Network Rail, provides an all-round industry experience over 18 months, where graduates will enjoy three six-month placements: one at Network Rail and two at either a passenger or freight operator or another company within the rail sector.

In total 85 young men and women joined the Network Rail scheme this year. All have graduated in the last two years but owing to tough economic times have found themselves either unemployed or more likely under-employed in a non-graduate level role. Track and Train offers them opportunities to gain valuable experience to then take the next step in their careers.

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 wish them every success as they take the next step in their careers."

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.

“What sets this scheme apart is those involved will work across the rail industry and by linking it all together, develop a fantastic knowledge and understanding of the challenges we all face and the opportunities for the future.”