GREATER Anglia is inviting young adults to apply to gain key skills and experience for their CV with a dedicated placement.

Greater Anglia’s Customer Service and Pre-employment Study Programme is aimed at those with limited or no work experience who are unsure about what their next career step should be.

The scheme supports those aged 16-19 (or 16-24 with an education, health and care plan) and who are not currently in employment, training, or education to develop their skills for future employment opportunities.

The 12-week pre-employment study programme combines formal qualifications with hands-on practical learning on the company’s network.

The placement is split between the head office in Stratford and key stations across the East of England where individuals will put what they have learnt into use by shadowing experienced frontline and customer service staff.

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.

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 programme will provide candidates with complimentary travel on all Greater Anglia lines whilst they are on the programme. Applications can be made via the Greater Anglia website or directly via the Central Training Group website.

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 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.”

Greater Anglia has an excellent record of supporting individuals to progress and flourish within the company. Upon the successful completion of the programme, candidates have the option to put theory into practice by applying directly for appropriate vacancies within the wider Greater Anglia business.

Megan was on the scheme from January 2024 and has since become an Automatic Ticket Gate Operator at Colchester station.

You can watch a video of her thoughts while she was on the placement below.

Stephen Watts, Assistant Area Customer Service Manager for Colchester station, said:

“We have many opportunities during the pre-employment scheme that successful candidates can get involved with.

“The scheme is not only a great starting point for gaining a number of skills and a job if you have limited experience on your CV so far, but it also gives you a chance to progress and it could be the start of an extensive career on the railway.”

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

The deadline for the October 2024 programme applications is 5pm on Monday, 23 September.

Applications can be made via the Greater Anglia or Central Training Group websites.