Published on: Tuesday, 26 September 2017
Last updated: Tuesday, 7 November 2023
Twelve unemployed young people have gained hands-on experience of working on the railway, after spending eight weeks with Greater Anglia.
A group of 12 trainees from the Prince’s Trust have completed the Get into Railways course with the train operator.
During course, two young people were based at Greater Anglia’s Stratford Academy, and ten at Liverpool Street - on the gate line and in the ticket office.
Trainees spent four weeks in the classroom and four weeks on the job, as part of their Level 2 diploma in customer service.
Andrew Goodrum, Customer Service Director, Greater Anglia, said: “We are very proud of all of the young people who have completed the Get Into Railways course. They have all demonstrated their ability to learn new skills and work as part of a team.
“This is the first time we have worked with The Prince’s Trust on this course and we aim to repeat it in the very near future.”
Their achievements were celebrated at an event at the Prince’s Trust offices in London on Friday 22 September. Trainees shared their experiences, what they had learned, and their future plans.
Trainee Heather Richardson, who was based at London Liverpool Street station, said: “I worked on the Stansted Express information desk, the ticket office and assisted on the platform. I enjoyed meeting and helping people, and gained valuable experience.
“I really enjoyed my time on the programme and would recommend it to everyone.”
Other trainees said they felt the course had helped to improve their social skills and they had learned more about themselves.
Trainees will be considered for forthcoming opportunities at Greater Anglia, including apprenticeship programmes.