Greater Anglia is offering young adults the opportunity to take part in its pre-employment and study scheme placements in a bid to build skills and experience which are sought after by employers.

The rail operator’s 12-week Customer Service and Pre-Employment Study Programme is aimed at those aged 16 to 24 years of age and not in employment, training or education. The scheme provides a perfect opportunity for those with those holding limited or no work experience who are uncertain of the area of work they would like to move towards in the future.

The programme sees a mix of formal qualifications and hands-on practical experience and is split between Greater Anglia’s head office in Stratford and major stations across its rail network, offering the chance to shadow experienced frontline customer service team members.

Completion of the programme will see candidates achieve:

• Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Customer Service
• Level 1 Award in Employee Rights and Responsibilities
• Level 1 Award in Foundation Learning and Employability Skills
• Certificate of Completion
• Letter of Reference to support future job applications

The programme also offers those taking part the chance to work towards Functional Skills qualifications in Maths and English if not already achieved at GCSE level.

Mentoring sessions will also be part of the programme for specific areas and will support knowledge, skills and behaviours with many of the students able to move straight into paid employment.

The pre-employment programme has been running for the last 6 years and is perfect for those with ambition and a positive, professional and friendly focus. The programme aims to provide those taking part with the necessary knowledge and experience to follow the rail operator’s recruitment process in applying for suitable positions within the company.

The scheme is un-waged, however, students will get complimentary travel across all Greater Anglia lines whilst the programme is running.

Two groups with 12 spaces will be available for an October 2023 cohort and also a January 2024 cohort. The application deadline for the October programme is Friday the 29th of September. To apply, please click here.

The scheme is run by Greater Anglia‘s partner, Central Training Group.

Viktorija Novikova, Greater Anglia’s Early Careers and Apprenticeships Manager, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting young adults across the East of England with our 12-week Pre-employment programme.”

“Not only will the scheme equip individuals with real-life skills and meaningful experience, but candidates will also receive formal qualifications for their CV – it is the ideal way for young adults to progress into paid employment.”

“We have seen that the programme helps young people land that first full-time job – they also have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of many others who have progressed into full-time roles within Greater Anglia itself.”

Sejal Patel, Assistant Area Customer Service Manager for Bishop’s Stortford station, said:

“We currently have two staff members who are now working full-time with us at the station that came through the pre-employment scheme – and more across the wider Greater Anglia network.”

“The scheme is not only a great starting point for gaining a number of skills and a job if you have limited experience on your CV so far, but it also gives you a chance to progress and have a lengthy career on the railway too.”

Sarah Ludlow, Head of Business Training at Central Training Group, said:

“We’re looking forward to working alongside Greater Anglia in providing this scheme that always proves so very worthwhile.”

“We can’t wait to welcome and process all applications for both scheme groups on behalf of Greater Anglia and wish everyone applying good luck.”