“A dream come true” Greater Anglia invites young people for January placement scheme

December 6, 2023

Greater Anglia is again inviting young adults to apply for a dedicated scheme to boost their employability – with just a week to go before applications close for the January 2024 course.

The Customer Service and Pre-employment Study Programme is a 12-week scheme aimed at those with limited or no work experience who are unsure about what their next career step should be. It supports those aged 16-24 who are not currently in employment, training, or education to develop their skills for future employment opportunities, with six weeks in the classroom and another six at a station.

The latest course starts in January 2024, with the deadline for applications being 8 December 2023. The scheme has proved really helpful to previous participants.

Olly Smail, who is 16 years old and has been involved with the scheme since his group started in October, said: “I could not go to college because there was no space, so I applied for the qualification. I was a bit nervous at first, but I was excited to do something on the railway.

“I have worked at Cambridge, Cambridge North, and Ely stations at the gateline and on the platforms – I have become more confident and will speak to anyone who approaches me, which wasn’t the case before.”

“In the classroom section of the course at the Stratford HQ, I have been learning about the relationship between business, customer service and how it all works together. It is a fantastic course to boost your CV and I would urge young people to apply. I am learning excellent skills that will help me into full-time work and I could not recommend the programme more highly.”

Upon completion of the programme, candidates will be awarded a Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Customer Service, a Level 1 Award in Employee Rights and Responsibilities, and a Level 1 Award in Foundation Learning and Employability Skills. Candidates will also work towards functional skills in maths and English if not already achieved at GCSE.

During the course, the successful applicants will have the chance to see the role of a driver in the state-of-the-art full cab simulators, and have a tour of the control room and a working depot where trains are maintained. Specific mentoring sessions will also help candidates to improve their knowledge, skills and behaviours with many immediately going on to paid employment.

The scheme has been running for six years and looks for ambitious individuals who have a can-do, professional and friendly attitude. It is run with the company’s partner Central Training Group and will give young adults much-desired work experience to add to their CV, along with a certificate of completion and a letter of reference for future job applications. The unwaged scheme will provide candidates with complimentary travel on all Greater Anglia services and routes whilst trainees are on the programme.

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.”

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 this scheme group on behalf of Greater Anglia and wish everyone applying good luck.”

The scheme will welcome 12 people to the January 2024 group. Applications can be made via the Greater Anglia website. The deadline is Friday 8 December.