04.04.12
Greening greets graduates
Transport secretary Justine Greening welcomed the newest recruits to the Track and Train scheme, as 85 young graduates began their paid work experience with Network Rail.
The scheme lasts 18 months and includes three six-month placements all across the industry, with one at Network Rail and the other two at either a passenger or freight operator or another of the 28 partner companies within the rail sector.
The opportunity to gain experience of the rail industry is focused at the unemployed or underemployed recent graduates, and 30% of the newest intake are female, something the industry is seeking to increase.
Typical roles in Track and Train will be in network operations, station and train teams, customer service, sales and marketing, route strategy, asset management and project management.
Greening said: “This scheme is really great news for the next generation of men and, I’m pleased to say, women who will be leading and transforming the industry for years to come.
“More and more graduates are realising that the railways can provide dynamic, fulfilling jobs at a time of not only unprecedented investment in our existing networks but as we also embark on the creation of a truly national high speed railway network.”
Patrick Butcher, Network Rail’s group finance director, responsible for the scheme, said: “We’re working hard to attract talented people to our growing industry. It is a high-tech, customer-focused sector undergoing huge change as we rise to the challenges of meeting growing numbers of users and improving our infrastructure and service.
“Those beginning their careers here today will gain an unparalleled experience, developing a fantastic knowledge and understanding of the challenges everyone in the industry faces and have a wonderful range of the opportunities to contribute to the shaping the future. I wish them all every success.”
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