Southern Employee Engagement Manager, Paula Hilliard said: “We know that work already done on the “Get Into Railways” initiative really does change people’s lives. 

 

“The programme helps young people to improve their skills, such as teamwork and communication, which develops their confidence to cope with the demands of the working world.”

 

“With 18 of our staff now trained to act as Prince’s Trust mentors, we can go a step further, providing additional support, regardless of whether they find work with us at Southern or elsewhere.”

 

Youngsters identified as in need of support by The Prince’s Trust will have the opportunity to meet representatives of both organisations and discuss their reasons for wishing to attend the programme. 

 

From there fourteen candidates will then be selected to receive a free four-week programme which is split between classroom-based learning and practical work placement at a Southern station. As part of the programme Southern staff will also help run a series of mock interviews for the youngsters, helping them to hone and perfect their interview techniques.

 

At the end of the four weeks, Southern will review whether it is able to consider any of the candidates for vacant positions at stations in the area. Working with The Prince’s Trust, all fourteen will also be offered six months’ additional support, from Southern staff who have been trained by both organisations to act as mentors.

 

This work follows successful programmes run on Thameslink and Great Northern services, in Luton and Stevenage.