The project between CrossCountry and the Prince’s Trust has seen nine young people explore the huge array of careers available within the industry providing first-hand experience of what it’s like to work in the rail sector. 

The young people were given a fantastic insight into the industry with the placement providing an opportunity to develop new skills for use in the future. During the placement, the cohort visited a working depot, completed a food hygiene course which is vital for onboard teams, experience with the revenue team and also what it means to be a Train Manager. A recruitment day at Freightliner was also attended as part of the placement as well as the opportunity to experience CrossCountry simulators at Ascot Drive.  

The young people who attended the placement were presented with certificates by CrossCountry’s Regional Director for West Midlands and the North West, John Robson at a ceremony in Manchester which also saw guests including Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.

The partnership between CrossCountry, The Prince’s Trust and Greater Manchester Combined Authority has been ongoing for three years now and has provided a revolutionary programme to deliver the Future Workforce Fund which is a government-funded skills pilot project which aims to deal with short and long-term unemployment of young people today. The scheme has seen businesses such as CrossCountry run the programme in order to develop both the personal and social skills of young people whilst encouraging them to follow their aspirations and potential. 

CrossCountry’s Regional Director for the West Midlands and the North West, John Robson, said: “At CrossCountry, we’re keen to attract the next generation of rail workers to our business. As such, we were delighted to welcome nine young people to CrossCountry to experience the many different career options available in rail. During the placement, they gained useful transferable skills for the future, and I really hope that these young people will consider applying for one of the many varied roles within our industry.”  

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “I am so proud of the partnership that Greater Manchester has with The Prince’s Trust. We’ve worked together on the Future Workforce programme and as a result of it, 5000 young people in our city region have moved onto a better opportunity in life.”