Latest news with #JacquelineStarr
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Get your career on track as rail firms offer 2,000 apprenticeships in industry jobs boom
Read on to find out how you can prepare for redundancy in these troubled times SUNEMPLOYMENT Get your career on track as rail firms offer 2,000 apprenticeships in industry jobs boom Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HELP Britain keep on the move with a new career on our railways. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway and it's one of the few sectors that can still offer a solid job for life. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Railway 200 campaign marks 200 years of trains with 2,000 apprenticeships on track for 2025 and 8,000 more by 2030 Credit: Getty - Contributor However, as the network modernises and embraces new tech, it also needs pioneering talent to keep trains rolling into the next century and beyond. To celebrate the bicentenary and attract new staff, the nation's rail firms have launched the Railway 200 campaign. Championing railway careers, it is offering 2,000 apprenticeships this year and a further 8,000 by the end of the decade. Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of Rail Delivery Group, which represents operators, said: 'Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity for people to start their careers in a variety of roles in rail. 'The rail industry plays a vital role in connecting communities and supporting the economy, and we need a diverse range of skills and perspectives to create the workforce of the future. 'As we celebrate the railway's rich heritage, we're looking to the future, investing in our people to help us deliver the high-quality, innovative service that passengers expect.' The apprenticeships on offer range from one to four-year schemes and are open to people from all backgrounds and ages, whether entering the workplace for the first time or looking to retrain in a career move. There are positions with employers nationwide and across the rail industry, including Network Rail, train and freight operators, manufacturers and the rail supply chain. The jobs span engineering to finance, train driving to sustainability, and IT to human resources, customer service and operations. Bosses are seeking to recruit more women, people from ethnic minorities and those with neurodiversity. How train driver skipped uni to earn £50,000 Neil Robertson, chief executive of the National Skills Academy for Rail added: 'These are good apprenticeships, mostly in skills-shortage disciplines, that are recognised all around the world. 'We are looking for committed people from a wide range of backgrounds to fill them.' For more, see TRACK TO THE FUTURE HOLLY Hardy Johnson spent 20 years as a zookeeper, looking after penguins and other birds and lecturing at a specialist college, before joining the rail industry as a learning and development trainer with Avanti West Coast. The 40-year-old from Nantwich, Cheshire, recently completed a Level 5 operation management leadership apprenticeship. She said: 'I've always had a passion for lifelong learning and joining the railway appealed to me as a career move – despite feeling scary. "I was able to transfer the knowledge and experience I gained as a lecturer teaching young people and adults to train new staff joining the railway. 'Now, I specialise in sustainability, inclusion, first-aid and safeguarding. 'My focus on delivering quality and project management means I have had the opportunity to work with organisations across the industry, including the British Transport Police and Network Rail. 'We strive to give the best training to our people, which in turn means we can help our customers and the planet.' BE STEP AHEAD OF JOB SHED 3 Mona Mourshed has supported thousands of people to switch careers - here she gives tips on how to become redundancy ready ONE in four employers plan to make redundancies in the next three months, so if you fear your job may be at risk it makes sense to prepare now. As CEO of training and careers support specialist Mona Mourshed has supported thousands of people to switch careers. Here she shares her expert advice to become redundancy ready. 1. Invest in your network. Think about who you already know working in the sectors you have your eye on and build those relationships – even when there isn't a job on the table. Don't know anyone in the space you want to work? Find events or online communities that can expand your network. 2. Know your priorities, flex on the rest. Make a list of everything you want then hone it down to only the most important things. In a tough job market, you need to be willing to flex on your nice-to-haves. 3. Think in terms of career stepping-stones. Your next role might not be your dream job but perhaps it can get you one step closer to it. You need to be thoughtful about how you can gain the skills and experiences that will move you closer to your long-term goals. 4. Do more than expected. Standing out is hard in a crowded field but, with the fast pace of change in the current labour market, there are opportunities for you to demonstrate your ambition. Raise your hand for new projects, bolster your skills through training and master new tools. 5. Stay the course. In a tough market, you'll need to apply to many more jobs than you would otherwise. Even though this process can be discouraging, put in the work and find ways to keep your spirits up until your efforts pay off. 6. Colleagues are as important as the role. Your new work colleagues and your manager will play a substantial part in making the job a positive working and learning experience – or not! Select your new role based on both the people you will be working with on a daily basis and on the job opportunity itself. JOB SPOT NATIONAL retail chain Accessorize is recruiting for sales assistants and deputy store managers nationwide. Search for posts, and availability near you, at CVs STRAIGHT IN BIN ONE in two job applications get thrown out immediately, a new study has revealed. With recruiters receiving an average of 22 applications for every vacancy, 11 are screened out immediately. A further six then fail at a phone-call stage, leaving just five to land an interview proper, research from employment search site Totaljobs reports. The most common reason to reject an applicant at first base was a lack of relevant skills, followed by no work experience. But a third of employers had seen enough after applications were poorly presented. Spokeswoman Natalie Matalon said: 'Candidates greatly improve their chances by ensuring skills and experience align with the role. Detail matters.' JOB SPOT BUILDERS merchants Plumbase need sales advisors, showroom managers and warehouse staff. See SO HOT TO TROT 3 Over half of office workers admit to leaving early in summer, with Friday the top day for the sneaky escape Credit: Alamy MORE than half of office workers admit leaving work earlier during the summer months. Friday is the most popular day for pulling the so-called summer sneak, with a third of employees confessing to bunking off before time without telling their boss. Two in five have called in sick to attend social events at this time of year, while 45 per cent lengthen lunch hours to take advantage of the warmer weather, a report from human-resources platform Dayforce reveals. A spokesman suggests: 'For organisations looking to minimise summertime sneaking, create a culture where people feel empowered to take the time off they need.'
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Get your career on track as rail firms offer 2,000 apprenticeships in industry jobs boom
HELP Britain keep on the move with a new career on our railways. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway and it's one of the few sectors that can still offer a solid job for life. 3 However, as the network modernises and embraces new tech, it also needs pioneering talent to keep trains rolling into the next century and beyond. To celebrate the bicentenary and attract new staff, the nation's rail firms have launched the Railway 200 campaign. Championing railway careers, it is offering 2,000 apprenticeships this year and a further 8,000 by the end of the decade. Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of Rail Delivery Group, which represents operators, said: 'Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity for people to start their careers in a variety of roles in rail. 'The rail industry plays a vital role in connecting communities and supporting the economy, and we need a diverse range of skills and perspectives to create the workforce of the future. 'As we celebrate the railway's rich heritage, we're looking to the future, investing in our people to help us deliver the high-quality, innovative service that passengers expect.' The apprenticeships on offer range from one to four-year schemes and are open to people from all backgrounds and ages, whether entering the workplace for the first time or looking to retrain in a career move. There are positions with employers nationwide and across the rail industry, including Network Rail, train and freight operators, manufacturers and the rail supply chain. The jobs span engineering to finance, train driving to sustainability, and IT to human resources, customer service and operations. Bosses are seeking to recruit more women, people from ethnic minorities and those with neurodiversity. How train driver skipped uni to earn £50,000 Neil Robertson, chief executive of the National Skills Academy for Rail added: 'These are good apprenticeships, mostly in skills-shortage disciplines, that are recognised all around the world. 'We are looking for committed people from a wide range of backgrounds to fill them.' For more, see TRACK TO THE FUTURE HOLLY Hardy Johnson spent 20 years as a zookeeper, looking after penguins and other birds and lecturing at a specialist college, before joining the rail industry as a learning and development trainer with Avanti West Coast. The 40-year-old from Nantwich, Cheshire, recently completed a Level 5 operation management leadership apprenticeship. She said: 'I've always had a passion for lifelong learning and joining the railway appealed to me as a career move – despite feeling scary. "I was able to transfer the knowledge and experience I gained as a lecturer teaching young people and adults to train new staff joining the railway. 'Now, I specialise in sustainability, inclusion, first-aid and safeguarding. 'My focus on delivering quality and project management means I have had the opportunity to work with organisations across the industry, including the British Transport Police and Network Rail. 'We strive to give the best training to our people, which in turn means we can help our customers and the planet.' BE STEP AHEAD OF JOB SHED 3 ONE in four employers plan to make redundancies in the next three months, so if you fear your job may be at risk it makes sense to prepare now. As CEO of training and careers support specialist Mona Mourshed has supported thousands of people to switch careers. Here she shares her expert advice to become redundancy ready. 1. Invest in your network. Think about who you already know working in the sectors you have your eye on and build those relationships – even when there isn't a job on the table. Don't know anyone in the space you want to work? Find events or online communities that can expand your network. 2. Know your priorities, flex on the rest. Make a list of everything you want then hone it down to only the most important things. In a tough job market, you need to be willing to flex on your nice-to-haves. 3. Think in terms of career stepping-stones. Your next role might not be your dream job but perhaps it can get you one step closer to it. You need to be thoughtful about how you can gain the skills and experiences that will move you closer to your long-term goals. 4. Do more than expected. Standing out is hard in a crowded field but, with the fast pace of change in the current labour market, there are opportunities for you to demonstrate your ambition. Raise your hand for new projects, bolster your skills through training and master new tools. 5. Stay the course. In a tough market, you'll need to apply to many more jobs than you would otherwise. Even though this process can be discouraging, put in the work and find ways to keep your spirits up until your efforts pay off. 6. Colleagues are as important as the role. Your new work colleagues and your manager will play a substantial part in making the job a positive working and learning experience – or not! Select your new role based on both the people you will be working with on a daily basis and on the job opportunity itself. CVs STRAIGHT IN BIN ONE in two job applications get thrown out immediately, a new study has revealed. With recruiters receiving an average of 22 applications for every vacancy, 11 are screened out immediately. A further six then fail at a phone-call stage, leaving just five to land an interview proper, research from employment search site Totaljobs reports. The most common reason to reject an applicant at first base was a lack of relevant skills, followed by no work experience. But a third of employers had seen enough after applications were poorly presented. Spokeswoman Natalie Matalon said: 'Candidates greatly improve their chances by ensuring skills and experience align with the role. Detail matters.' SO HOT TO TROT 3 MORE than half of office workers admit leaving work earlier during the summer months. Friday is the most popular day for pulling the so-called summer sneak, with a third of employees confessing to bunking off before time without telling their boss. Two in five have called in sick to attend social events at this time of year, while 45 per cent lengthen lunch hours to take advantage of the warmer weather, a report from human-resources platform Dayforce reveals. A spokesman suggests: 'For organisations looking to minimise summertime sneaking, create a culture where people feel empowered to take the time off they need.'
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Live train performance data rolled out at 1,700 stations in England
Live train performance data, including cancellations and punctuality figures, is now available at more than 1,700 stations in England. The performance data, specific to each operator, is displayed on digital screens at major stations and accessible through QR codes at smaller stations. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has launched a new data portal featuring comprehensive punctuality and reliability information for all stations in Great Britain. This online resource is also accessible to those with visual impairments. In addition to performance metrics, the screens provide insights into the efforts by operators and Network Rail to enhance service reliability. This information reassures passengers about the continuous work being done to improve the rail network's efficiency. The rail minister has taken proactive steps, meeting with train operators to address performance issues and demanding immediate improvements. In response, the industry has developed a framework to enhance performance, focusing on timetable resilience and staffing. UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'These displays are a step towards rebuilding trust with passengers using our railways as we continue to tackle the root causes of frustrating delays and cancellations. 'Through fundamental rail reform, we're sweeping away decades of dysfunctionality – putting passengers first, driving growth through connectivity as part of this government's Plan for Change.' This move is part of the Department of Transport's pledge to maintain complete transparency with passengers and hold train operators responsible as railway services transition to public ownership. It also aligns with the government's Plan for Change, which aims to improve the quality of rail services and drive economic growth by enhancing connectivity. The move is also part of a broader overhaul of the railways that includes the introduction of Great British Railways (GBR), a new entity aimed at unifying track and train operations. GBR's primary focus will be on elevating passenger service standards, and it is currently under consultation, including the establishment of a robust passenger standards watchdog. Moreover, the Public Ownership Act is set to enhance service quality and save taxpayers up to £150m ($192m) annually, previously paid to private shareholders. The first publicly owned services are expected to commence as early as May. Rail Delivery Group chair and chief executive Jacqueline Starr said: 'We know how frustrating it is for customers when their train is cancelled or delayed. 'By being transparent with this data and the positive actions we're taking, it shows how serious the industry is in putting this right by continuing to strive for improvements.' Last month, the UK Department of Transport announced plans for contactless ticketing trials in the North and Midlands, using global positioning system (GPS) technology. "Live train performance data rolled out at 1,700 stations in England" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Telegraph
06-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Rail firms to be named and shamed
Train companies are to be named and shamed over the number of delays and cancellations to their services. Screens at larger stations across England will display the statistics of cancellations and delays while passengers at smaller ones will be able to find them by scanning QR codes on posters. The screens also provide information on what train operators and Network Rail are doing in the area to improve performance. From today, performance data produced by the Office of Rail and Road is available for more than 1,700 stations. Train reliability across Britain is at a record low, with the equivalent of more than one in 25 services cancelled in the year up to Feb 1. Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, said: 'Today marks the beginning of a new era of rail accountability. 'These displays are a step towards rebuilding trust with passengers using our railways, as we continue to tackle the root causes of frustrating delays and cancellations. 'Through fundamental rail reform, we're sweeping away decades of dysfunctionality – putting passengers first, driving growth through connectivity as part of this Government's Plan for Change.' Data is available for the 14 operators funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), as well as for other train companies who have agreed it can be displayed. Figures published in December showed Avanti West Coast, which runs services between London, the North West and Scotland, was the least punctual in Britain. Just 41 per cent of its trains arrived on time between July and September last year, a five point drop from the same period a year earlier. London North Eastern Railway cancelled 7.4 per cent of trains – second worst after Northern trains which had a rate of 8.7 per cent. This includes services axed on the day and those pre-cancelled before the day of travel. Jacqueline Starr, the chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents operators, said: 'We know how frustrating it is for customers when their train is cancelled or delayed. 'By being transparent with this data and the positive actions we're taking, it shows how serious the industry is in putting this right by continuing to strive for improvements. 'This sends a clear message to customers that the rail sector is committed to improving punctuality and to find solutions to make train services more reliable.' Natasha Grice, a director of Transport Focus, watchdog for transport users said: 'Passengers tell us they want a reliable, on-time train service and will welcome improvements to information about the punctuality of their service and cancellations being shared more transparently. 'It's important that the industry uses this information to drive up performance.'
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Worst train companies to be named and shamed
Millions of passengers will see train cancellation and delay data published prominently at over 1,700 railway stations in England from Thursday. The data will update every 28 days showing statistics for the most recent month in a bid to increase transparency and to hold operators to account. Between 1 July and 30 September 2024, 4.2% of train services were cancelled and only 67.7% of services were on time, according to the latest data from the rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The government says performance information will appear on large digital display boards, with smaller stations displaying QR codes for passengers to scan on smartphones. The BBC understands that the data will not be announced audibly for people with print disabilities but the government says online data will be posted on a new portal which has been made accessible to screen reader users such as those who are blind and visually-impaired. The concept of publishing train reliability data is not new. The ORR publishes performance statistics which detail the percentage of services that are delayed or cancelled. However this is the first time that potentially embarrassing information will be proactively presented to millions of English train passengers each day. It's a move welcomed by the independent passenger watchdog, Transport Focus. The group's director, Natasha Grice, told the BBC the railway needs to rebuild trust, and transparency around cancellations was part of that. "Previously, performance information has tended to be available by route or a group of routes. This initiative makes the data more relevant to an individual passenger by showing the numbers for their station," she said. Jacqueline Starr, chair and chief executive of Rail Delivery Group said the move shows how serious the industry is about putting things right for customers frustrated by cancellations and delays. The Department for Transport is hailing this as a new era for accountability. The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: "These displays are a step towards rebuilding trust with passengers using our railways, as we continue to tackle the root causes of frustrating delays and cancellations." This also forms part of a wider overhaul of the country's railways under the government's planned return to nationalisation under Great British Railways. "Through fundamental rail reform, we're sweeping away decades of dysfunctionality," Ms Alexander said. The government says the industry has set out a framework with "clear areas of focus", "timetable resilience", and staffing to "recover performance to acceptable levels". The rail minister will be meeting with all train operators to "address concerns and demand immediate action". Devon's least used station 'needs more trains' St Pancras plans for direct trains from UK to Germany Trains cancelled as engineering works overrun
