Following the release of GCSE and A Level results, train operator Southeastern is highlighting opportunities for school-leavers to work with the company.

The operator plans to recruit 170 trainee drivers, over one hundred station staff, and roles in Railway Enforcement and Protection, Onboard Management, Train Conductors and Engineering, management and other specialist careers.

Southeastern states that it is “committed to removing barriers to opportunity” and aims to improve social mobility, recruiting ten per cent more people from under-represented groups each year, and “breaking outdated perceptions of the rail industry”. 

To promote its recruitment campaign, Southeastern is using the Innes family from Kent to show the career paths that are available.

Members of the family share a passion for the railway. Family members Marie Innes, Amy Innes (daughter), Jack Innes (son), and Lucy Innes (daughter) followed husband and father Chris to work at Southeastern.

Southeastern operates a network covering London, Kent, and East Sussex, running more than 1,700 services carrying more than half a million passengers each day, serving 181 stations along 540 miles of track.

Chris Innes was the first family member to join Southeastern, working as a train driver and manager in Ramsgate. Jack followed soon after, and works as a Service Engineer at Slade Green depot, where Southeastern maintains its trains.

Next to join was Amy, who started as a Customer Services Apprentice and is now Operations Procurement Manager. Mum Marie works as a Revenue Protection Team Leader. The most recent to join is Lucy, who has a role as a Purchasing Officer at Slade Green. 

Information about careers at Southeastern is available here.

Family quotes

“The attraction of working for Southeastern was something that was realised after my dad told us about the opportunities on the railway. I think the fact that we all do such different jobs, and our work is so varied, shows that there is something for everyone. I started straight after my GCSEs as a Customer Service apprentice at 16 and by 22 with support and training I was a manager working in a job I loved. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, and I know my family feels the same too.” 

Amy Innes

“Because of what my dad tells me, I can put myself in the mind of a driver when I’m fault finding.”

Jack Innes

“I talk to Jack about technical aspects of the trains I drive and to my wife about how revenue affects the business.” 

Chris Innes

“We all know people across the business. At work, it’s like having 15 brothers and sisters!”  Lucy says: “It felt like it was inevitable to happen, I saw how much my family loved working here. it’s been really nice to be able finally join in and give my own perspective on discussions we have about work!”

Marie Innes

Southeastern says

“Receiving your GCSE and A Level results is a significant milestone, and it opens up a world of possibilities. At Southeastern, we believe that working here brings responsibility, pride, and achievement. We are looking to recruit great people who represent the diverse communities we serve.

“There are many talented young individuals out there who could have a rewarding and enjoyable career with us, working in a wide range of roles across our network. I encourage all those receiving their results today to consider a career in rail. You can join today with full training provided or you can you join after college or university, perhaps on our graduate scheme or in a particular profession such as finance, engineering, IT and Digital or project management”.

Southeastern’s People Director, Steve Foster