You’re hired! GTR gives 10 more Prince’s Trust youngsters a start in life

Friends and family broke into spontaneous applause when Govia Thameslink Railway told 10 out-of-work youngsters they all had a job with either Southern, Thameslink or Great Northern.

The group had gathered to celebrate the end of a four-week work experience scheme called ‘Get into Railways’ that the rail operator runs with the Prince of Wales' charity, The Prince's Trust.

All 10, who had worked as customer service assistants at stations at Great Northern, Thameslink and Southern, had each explained to guests how the programme had given them new-found confidence and a fresh start in their lives. One said it had helped her to believe in herself to be able to provide for her one-year-old son.

HR Director Andy Bindon told the 10: “Everyone who has been on this programme will be offered a job. I am really, really pleased for you all.

“Hearing these young people’s stories today and the changes we have helped make in their lives is truly the highlight for me.

“As a business this is the right thing to do not only because we want to work with people in our local communities but because it is morally right as well.”

From left, in our picture are: Nehar Uddin, Adam Anderson, Yanique Smith, Muhammed Jaffer, Emily Clarke, Baijinder Singh, Luke Leach and Frank J-Ouzman

Nehar Uddin, 23, comes from Luton and worked at her local station. She had been working as a receptionist when her contract finished leaving her out of work for months on end. She said: “I was a shy person before this course. I am proud that I am now confident to manage many different situations.”

Adam Anderson, 23, who lives in St Neots and worked at Stevenage, said he particularly enjoyed helping passengers with accessibility needs. “I don’t feel depressed anymore. I can make something of myself.”

Yanique Smith, 26, from Hackney, East London, worked at King’s Cross and now has a job at Finsbury Park. She said: “I didn’t know where my future was going and how I would provide for my one-year-old son. This placement has given me the confidence I need to get on with my life.”

Muhamed Jaffer, 20, of East London has a job at West Hampstead Thameslink station. He said: “Before the programme I didn’t feel confident but I realised I wasn’t alone and now, having gained experience, I can dispatch trains and help people.”

Emily Clarke, 24, lives in Luton and has a job at St Pancras. She said: “I was so nervous but I grew more and more confident during the programme. It’s been a fantastic experience. Nobody was judgmental, nobody cared where we had come from – they just wanted us to better ourselves.”

Luke Leach, 20, from Edgware, near Thameslink’s Mill Hill Broadway station, had worked for three years in retail and said his future was going nowhere. Now he has a job at King’s Cross, where he worked during the programme He said: “Working at King’s Cross has been the best experience I have ever had in my life. You guys have brought out the new man in me and I am really grateful.”

Baijinder Singh, 19, from East London, worked at St Pancras International. He said: “I had a great time making announcements and working on the information desk – I was really good at it! It didn’t feel like a training day; it felt like I was working there.”

Frank J-Ouzman, from Herne Hill, worked at Farringdon and now has a job at St Pancras International. He said: “I was caring for a relative and had no confidence and few communication skills. All that has changed and I’ve enjoyed making announcements and helping passengers with their questions.”

Two other young people, Christopher Haraszti, of East Croydon, and Ana Espin, were unable to attend the celebration but have also secured a position with the company.

ENDS