Prince's Trust youths offered jobs with Southern

Six young people from London Bridge, Streatham Hill and East Croydon hoping to get a foothold on the employment ladder, have been given a job by Southern after graduating from a scheme the rail company runs with the Prince of Wales' charity, The Prince's Trust.

The six, who were struggling to find work, have just graduated from a four-week course and are set to start working at stations across Southern, which sets them on a career path in customer service.

Michael, from London Bridge, has been offered a role at East Croydon station. "Before this course I was seeking work and now I have a chance to join the wonderful Southern family."

Bruno, from Streatham Hill, has been offered a role at Victoria station. "I've spent a long time looking for a career path. I can't thank everyone enough."

Abdirahim, from East Croydon, has been offered a role at East Croydon station. "The last two weeks have changed me. I've never worked before but now the station team feel like family. Thank you to everyone at Southern and the Prince's Trust for this amazing opportunity."

Dusty, from London Bridge, has been offered a role at London Bridge station. "I have learned so much. Everyone was really engaging and I love the chance to be be part of Southern for the future."

Zakariya, from East Croydon, has been offered a role at East Croydon station. "I've never felt like I belonged anywhere and I was worried when I started about fitting in. I shouldn't have been. I tried to learn as much as I could and everyone has been fantastic."

Haziah, from London Bridge, has been offered a role at London Bridge station. "This was a great opportunity and I thoroughly enjoyed my two weeks at London Bridge. It was a really different challenge and an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.I feel a lot more confident and have more self belief. A special thanks to the whole team - it's been an honour to have been involved."

The 'Get Into Railways' programme gives young people aged 16-25 vital learning and skills to help them find work in any industry, with a specific focus on the railway.

The four-week course, teaches candidates about aspects of the railway including first aid, security protocols, and customer service skills that are vital when working at stations. Half the teaching is in the classroom and the other half out on the route, working with staff to gain practical work experience. Training also includes writing CVs and learning interview skills, to help candidates in their job hunt. The course concludes with a presentation where the youngsters speak to members of Great Northern and the Trust about how the much the experience has changed their lives.

Great Northern's HR Director, Andy Bindon, added: "Listening to what the youngsters said at the end of the programme, I feel so humble and proud of all the people across our business who have worked so hard to support them on this course.

"We are very proud of our long association with The Prince's Trust and I thank everyone from across both companies who have helped make such a different to the lives of disadvantaged youngsters. I also thank the group for their own efforts and wish them the best for the future."

Paul Beesley, Interim Director for The Prince’s Trust in Central England, said, “As well as developing skills and providing experience, the Get into Railways programme, with our fantastic partners at Great Northern, bridges the gap between employers and young job seekers. Congratulations to the young people who are making great strides towards positive and successful futures.”

Ends