Prince’s Trust youths offered jobs with Thameslink

Five young people from Flitwick, Leagrave, Luton and Cricklewood, hoping to get a foothold on the employment ladder, have been given a job by Thameslink after graduating from a scheme the rail company runs with the Prince of Wales' charity, The Prince's Trust.

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

Sam, from Flitwick, did his work experience at Luton where he now works checking tickets and helping passengers. He said: “I had no confidence when I got on the course. Now I feel proud to have worked on a platform and feel like I've become part of the family. Thanks to everyone who believed in me and gave me this chance.”

Simon, also from Flitwick, did his work experience at Luton Airport Parkway and now does the same as Sam at Luton. “The last two weeks have helped a lot. I've only ever had one interview in my life and didn’t get any feedback. During the course I had the chance to really improve and understand more about myself. I enjoyed every minute of it,” he said

Luke, from Cricklewood, had work experience at St Albans and now has a job checking tickets and helping passengers at Radlett. He said: “I was really upset I had to finish my work placement but now I have a job! I really enjoyed it and loved talking to the passengers – something I never thought I would. Thanks to everyone at Thameslink and the Prince's Trust. You gave me the confidence to do this and come through the course.”

Nathaniel, from Luton, had work experience at St Albans and joins Luke at Radlett. He said: “I recently got released from work and I didn't want to just sit around doing nothing. This course has really built up my confidence. The staff all talked to me with respect. I now want to work with Thameslink as it's such a great family.”

Paul, from Leagrave, gained experience at Bedford and is now working at Luton station. He said: “I've tried many times to get a role in customer services but never had any luck. I loved every minute of the course and even got to help others during a Try the Train experience helping young people to use the railway and gain independence when I worked at Bedford. That was so rewarding. There are so many people I'd like to thank, especially at the station. I hope to have a long career with Thameslink.”

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 London-based 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 Thameslink and the Trust about how the much the experience has changed their lives.

Thameslink'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 Thameslink, 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