Train operator London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is aiming to inspire tomorrow’s talent by investing a record amount of money in projects to help communities along its route.

Over the next 18 months, LNER hopes that over 11,000 children and young people will benefit from these projects. The first project is named appropriately “Tomorrow’s Talent” and starts on 25 October.

Tomorrow’s Talent is aimed at children and young people aged between 14 and 18 in Years 10-13 who live along the East Coast route. It will be delivered in partnership with Springpod, which is a specialist careers platform that enables young people to experience the world of work and university in order to make informed decisions about their futures.

The programme aims to provide participants with an insight into the various careers available in the rail industry, covering topics such as the growing use of technology and the importance of marketing within the rail industry.

As part of its Responsible Business Strategy, LNER is also using the latest round of its Customer and Community Investment Fund (CCIF) to further invest in communities along its route. The fund is worth £500,000 each year and will help the communities undertake projects and initiatives that will help address a local issue. The fund will also be used to create opportunities to develop new skills, promote positive mental health and deliver educational or environmental benefits.

Also benefitting from LNER’s investment is the Skills Builder Partnership, which aims to help over 7,000 students along the East Coast to build the skills they need to thrive in education, employment, and in their wider lives. LNER is working with Skills Builder Partnership and utilising their expertise to offer the Tomorrow’s Talent programme.

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “Education and employability are important to LNER and the communities we serve, and we want to do all that we can to encourage the next generation, regardless of where their career takes them.

“LNER’s Tomorrow’s Talent and the community projects we are supporting provide a fantastic opportunity for young people in their career development. As a modern business and inclusive employer, with a focus on the long term, we are determined to share what we do to inspire others.”

Rosa Morgan-Baker, Director of Development at the Skills Builder Partnership, said: “Skills Builder Partnership is delighted to join forces with LNER to deliver the Tomorrow’s Talent programme and help young people develop essential employability skills.

“LNER’s wider support for our work will enable 30 schools to complete our Skills Builder Accelerator programme which aims to equip schools with the strategic support, teacher training and teaching resources to ensure skills like Teamwork can be taught with the same rigour as English or Maths.”

Where Next?

RAILADVENT NEWS
The latest railway news
RailAdvent Plus
Railway Discounts, 4k Video, pictures and more!
FREE NEWSLETTERS
Signup to our daily and weekly newsletters
RAILADVENT SHOP
Railway Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s, books and more
LOCOSTOP COMMUNITY
Come and share your railway pictures
UK STEAM INFO
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Lner
Visit their website