Switching track: Group of West Yorkshire residents on Universal Credit given the opportunity to try out a career in rail

They are the latest in-take to Northern’s ‘Get Into Rail’ scheme, which was open to anyone aged 18 and over that was receiving Universal Credit.

The scheme, which is delivered in collaboration with Network Rail, Carlisle Support Services and Shipley College, includes the opportunity to shadow operational colleagues at Northern and the chance to gain qualifications in employability and customer service.

At the end of the course, they are guaranteed an interview for roles advertised at Northern – with the train operator hoping the experience gained will help break the cycle of unemployment.

Lisa Leighton, people director at Northern, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our ‘Get Into Rail’ scheme and the opportunity it offers to people considering a career in rail.

“It provides valuable experience in the workplace and the chance to develop job-specific and transferrable skills in an environment that recognises ability, not just academic achievement.

“We hope through the ‘Get Into Rail’ scheme they will see for themselves how fulfilling a career in the rail industry can be whilst boosting their CV and employment credentials with some hands-on experience.”

Anyone interested in applying for future 'Get Into Rail' in-takes should speak to their work coach at the Job Centre.

In 2022, Northern was officially recognised by Ofsted as a ‘Main Provider’ of apprenticeships, a status that enables them to offer their industry-leading training services to other train operators and rail industry organisations.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.