As part of the Kickstart Scheme, train operator London North Eastern Railway (LNER) are supporting young people with work experience placements.

Launched by the Department for Work and Pensions, the scheme encourages businesses to provide work placements for 16 to 24-year-olds.

14 young people have now been given work experience placements by the train operator is a range of roles, from marketing and HR to engineering.

Back in January, LNER earned a ‘UK Top Employer’ award for the second year running.

These work experience placements are for 6 months and are for young people on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. They are given a development plan and have a chance to develop skills as well as gain new experiences.

LNER are expecting a second group of young people to become part of the scheme later in the year, and anyone interested should speak to their Jobcentre Plus Work Coach.

Sophie Partington, who joined LNER on the Kickstart scheme in March, said: “I graduated from university last year and have found it to be a struggle to gain a meaningful job without prior experience. I am therefore really excited about my placement with LNER and look forward to gaining new skills and experience that will help me in my future career.”

“I was originally a bit anxious after a year spent largely at home, but I’ve been given a really warm welcome and already feel part of the team.”

Craig Laughton, Head of Learning Experience at LNER, said: “The last year has been an incredibly challenging time for young people who are just starting out in the world of work. We therefore jumped at the chance to create opportunities as part of the Kickstart scheme, introducing young people to the wide variety of different professions in the rail industry and providing them with new experience and skills that will aid them in their future career.

“We also hope that the scheme will help create a talent pipeline of young people who may not have previously considered the opportunities that our industry has to offer, so we will be working hard to ensure that they are passionate advocates for rail!”

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