Latest news with #Railway200
Scottish Sun
5 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.'
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
First passenger steam train to go on show in city
The first steam locomotive to haul a passenger-carrying train on a public railway is set to go on display in Derby. Locomotion No.1 was built 200 years ago by Robert Stephenson and Company, a Newcastle-based firm named after the son of "father of the railways" George Stephenson. It became the first locomotive to carry passengers on a public train when it was used on the Stockton and Darlington Railway in September 1825. The locomotive is now set to go on display at train manufacturer Alstom in Derby at a three-day event called The Greatest Gathering, which is part of Railway 200, a year-long celebration marking the creation of the railways. Locomotion No.1 is one of a number of rail vehicles from the UK National Collection which have been loaned to Alstom by the National Railway Museum, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. Robert Stephenson and Company became part of Alstom in 1989 as a result of successive mergers. Alstom managing director Rob Whyte said: "We are very excited that Locomotion No.1 will be joining an already unprecedented roster of historic and modern rolling stock at The Greatest Gathering. "I want to thank the National Railway Museum – and indeed countless other partners across the UK rail industry – for supporting our mammoth event for Railway 200. "We look forward to welcoming ticketholders to Britain's biggest rail celebration later this year." The Greatest Gathering will take place at Alstom's Litchurch Lane site from Friday 1 August to Sunday 3 August, and will show more than 50 rolling stock exhibits. Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Ticket sales resume for major train gathering event First look at Derby-made HS2 train interiors Alstom wins new £60m refurbishment contract Train-maker Alstom wins £370m Elizabeth line order National Railway Museum
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Enthusiasts chart history of Britain's railways
The history of Britain's modern railways has been charted in a book celebrating their 200-year anniversary. Enthusiasts across Essex and Suffolk designed the 45-page text with the help of children from three schools. It was designed for Railway 200, which is marking the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway opening on 27 September 1825. Jayne Sumner, who helped to create the book, said all involved were "absolutely thrilled" with the end product. It has been authored by rail expert David Gibson, with pictures drawn by pupils from Maltings Academy, in Witham, and primary schools in Great Totham and Terling. The book describes the beginnings of the railway and how it changed the world, including its importance during two world wars. Ms Sumner, of the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, said it took "months of research and development". She added: "I am so grateful to everyone who helped to put it together. "Especially David Gibson for his knowledge and commitment, and all the local schoolchildren whose amazing drawings and designs have added so much to the book and really brought it to life." Copies of the book are available on request by emailing Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk. Best-loved railway art unveiled after global vote Celebrating 200 years of pioneering railway Heritage railway marks bicentenary celebrations Railway 200
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Enthusiasts chart history of Britain's railways
The history of Britain's modern railways has been charted in a book celebrating their 200-year anniversary. Enthusiasts across Essex and Suffolk designed the 45-page text with the help of children from three schools. It was designed for Railway 200, which is marking the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway opening on 27 September 1825. Jayne Sumner, who helped to create the book, said all involved were "absolutely thrilled" with the end product. It has been authored by rail expert David Gibson, with pictures drawn by pupils from Maltings Academy, in Witham, and primary schools in Great Totham and Terling. The book describes the beginnings of the railway and how it changed the world, including its importance during two world wars. Ms Sumner, of the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, said it took "months of research and development". She added: "I am so grateful to everyone who helped to put it together. "Especially David Gibson for his knowledge and commitment, and all the local schoolchildren whose amazing drawings and designs have added so much to the book and really brought it to life." Copies of the book are available on request by emailing Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk. Best-loved railway art unveiled after global vote Celebrating 200 years of pioneering railway Heritage railway marks bicentenary celebrations Railway 200
Leader Live
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Chirk school help mark 200 years of the modern railway
The project was made possible through funding from the 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership (CRP) and Transport for Wales as part of their Railway 200 Programme. The impressive mural, measuring 1.2m x 2.4m, showcases the Ysgol Y Waun, Chirk, pupils' unique perspective on their hometown of Chirk and its connection to railway heritage. Read more: School Report - highlights and photos from across the region Adding a special touch to the project, the timber for the mural was donated and delivered by the Chirk branch of builders merchant, Jewsons. This heartwarming contribution came about after a member of the Jewsons staff discovered his former primary school was undertaking the artwork and offered their support. The artwork features Ysgol Y Waun at its heart, symbolising the central role of the school within the community. Radiating outwards from this focal point are a diverse array of images, symbols and words representing what is special to the pupils about their local area. Read more: Wrexham pupils learn about healthy eating amid Welsh Government proposals These elements, carefully chosen and creatively rendered, highlight Chirk's culture, history and natural beauty, all interwoven with the significance of the railway. Rhiannon, of Rhiannon Art Ltd, worked closely with the pupils, guiding them through the creative process from initial concept development to the final brushstrokes. The collaboration provided a valuable opportunity for the children to express their artistic talents, learn more about their local heritage and contribute to a lasting piece of public art. Read more: 'Integral' pre-school facing closure by summer holidays tries to raise vital funds Josie Rayworth, Community Rail Officer for the 3 Counties Connected CRP said: "It was a real privilege to be part of the mural project with Ysgol y Waun. The school gave us such a warm welcome, and it was fantastic to meet the pupils and see their enthusiasm firsthand. "Huge thanks to Rhiannon Art for doing such an amazing job bringing the mural to life and helping celebrate Welsh culture and language, Railway 200 and our areas railway heritage." Nichola Morgan, Foundation Phase Lead at Ysgol Y Waun said: "We were absolutely delighted when Josie Rayworth from 3 Counties Connected CRP funded this incredible art project for us. We are incredibly grateful our Criw Cymraeg had this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate with the talented artist Rhiannon Roberts. Read more: Region's schools mark VE Day anniversary in style "The outstanding mural, which beautifully depicts our local community and Welsh heritage, will be proudly displayed on our Foundation Phase site. A heartfelt thank you for turning our dream into a reality." Dr Louise Moon, Wales & Borders Railway 200 Programme Lead added: "This artwork creates a great legacy for the Railway 200 Programmes in Chirk and is a great example showcasing the connections between the railways, communities and our future generations." The announcement of the unveiling takes place during Community Rail Week, organised by Community Rail Network and sponsored by Rail Delivery Group, a nationwide campaign shining the spotlight on the inspiring work that goes on in community rail, bringing people together and creating more inclusive communities and mobility, as well as the wider socio-economic benefit that the railways deliver.
