12 people from West Yorkshire mark the latest group to start Northern‘s ‘Get Into Rail’ scheme. The programme sees a three-week training programme with the rail operator for long-term unemployed people and is available to anyone age 18 or over and in receipt of Universal Credit.

‘Get Into Rail’ is delivered via a collaboration between Network Rail, Carlisle Support Services and Shipley College and provides an incredible chance for those taking part to shadow colleagues at Northern as well as offering attendees the chance to gain employability and customer service-based qualifications. The scheme aims to break the cycle of unemployment, following which all of those taking part are guaranteed an interview for positions advertised with the rail operator.

Lisa Leighton, people director at Northern, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of our ‘Get Into Rail’ scheme and the opportunity it offers to people considering a career in rail.”

“It provides valuable experience in the workplace and the chance to develop job-specific and transferrable skills in an environment that recognises ability, not just academic achievement.”

“We hope through the ‘Get Into Rail’ scheme they will see for themselves how fulfilling a career in the rail industry can be whilst boosting their CV and employment credentials with some hands-on experience.”

For anyone interested in future ‘Get Into Rail’ courses, please speak to a work coach at the Job Centre.

Northern is an industry leader when it comes to training services and was officially recognised in 2022 by Ofsted as a ‘Main Provider’ for apprenticeships.