Rail companies launch internship scheme to get graduate careers on track
More than 25 companies from across the UK rail sector have joined forces to launch a paid internship scheme aimed at graduates.
Track and Train will provide "an all-round industry experience" through three six-month placements, according to the programme's backer, Network Rail.
It will provide one of the placements, with the other two coming from either a passenger or freight operator, or another company working within the industry.
The initiative is aimed at people who graduated in the past two years, who because of difficult economic circumstances are either unemployed or underemployed in a non-graduate role.
According to Network Rail poll, people who left university after 2010 have applied for an average of nine jobs.
Eight per cent have not been offered an interview, 65 per cent have had one or two interviews and 24 per cent have had more than five.
Twenty-six have turned down a job offer because they felt overqualified or that the post was unsuitable. Another 43 per cent said they have found it hard or extremely hard to narrow down the type of job they want.
Network Rail group finance director, Patrick Butcher, said: "We know that there are many smart, talented individuals out there that haven't had their break yet and as a growing industry, we can work together to provide challenging, valuable and paid work experience to kick-start their careers.
"What sets this scheme apart is those involved with work across the rail industry and by linking it all together, develop a fantastic knowledge and understanding of the challenges we all face and the opportunities for the future."
The deadline for applications is midday on Friday, 27 January. Participants, who will be paid £22,000 per year, must be available to start on 1 April 2012.
Universities
