Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the operator of Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express services, has celebrated the 10th anniversary of its collaboration with The King’s Trust, formerly known as The Prince’s Trust. The milestone marks a decade of the successful “Get into Railways” programme, aimed at helping young people overcome barriers to employment and launch careers in the rail industry.
A celebration event held at the Houses of Parliament on Monday, January 13, was attended by GTR employees, stakeholders, and the Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy. The event also served as part of the industry-wide Railway 200 celebrations, which commemorate 200 years of the modern railway.
Since its inception in 2014, the “Get into Railways” scheme has supported more than 200 candidates, with over 40 alumni currently employed by GTR in diverse roles, including HR, IT, engineering, customer service, and train driving. The programme offers candidates taster days, hands-on work placements, and masterclasses in CV writing and interview techniques, equipping them to take their first steps into the workforce.
GTR CEO Angie Doll highlighted the programme’s significance, stating: “This year, we celebrate 200 years since the opening of the world’s first railway. This incredible milestone reminds us that our railways are more than tracks and trains; they are an ecosystem built and sustained by people. The ‘Get into Railways’ scheme is a shining example of how diversity of thought strengthens our industry and brings fresh perspectives to the workplace.”
“Over the past decade, more than 200 young people have transformed their lives through this scheme, overcoming challenges and building valuable skills. We are incredibly grateful to GTR for their enduring commitment to empowering the next generation,” Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of The King’s Trust, said.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy praised the initiative, calling it “a brilliant example of how railways do more than transport people—they help connect communities to opportunities.”
Several alumni of the programme have gone on to thrive in their careers with GTR:
- Paul Potter, from Bedford, began as a Station Assistant and is now training to become a driver.
- Tyler Jay Calder, from Luton, transitioned from working in a station café to an on-platform role through the scheme.
- Oliver Gibbs, from Cambridge, joined GTR in 2017 and now works as a Revenue Control Officer.
The Railway 200 celebrations continue throughout the year, showcasing the industry’s historical achievements, current impact, and future importance in promoting sustainability and connectivity. Meanwhile, GTR and The King’s Trust remain committed to fostering talent and providing opportunities for young people to contribute to the railway ecosystem.
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