- Congratulations to Anthony, Azeem, Cardel, Courtney, Haile, Jamal, Malik and Ocean on graduating the Prince’s Trust 'Get Into Customer Service with SWR' programme
- Programme gives young people aged 18-30 the opportunity to learn new skills and get their lives back on track
- A new programme will commence in October, based at SWR’s Southampton office
South Western Railway (SWR) congratulates the latest cohort of young people to successfully graduate the Prince’s Trust ‘Get Into Customer Service with SWR’ programme.
Eight young people aged 18-30 - unemployed and not in education or training - completed the four-week training programme which aims to develop their customer service and communication skills, as well as build confidence with workshops and practical lessons.
The cohort also experienced the busy world of the rail industry by 'buddying-up' with SWR staff at several stations across the network to help customers with their enquiries, assist them boarding trains as well as check tickets on the gatelines.
In collaboration with the Prince’s Trust, and supported by teams from across SWR’s business, the programme has given 25 young people the opportunity to learn new skills and get their lives back on track.
Anthony, Azeem, Cardel, Courtney, Haile, Jamal, Malik and Ocean were successful in graduating the 'Get Into Customer Service with SWR’ programme.
Five previous students are now working in various roles at SWR, including Harrison Jones, a ticket inspector, and Te-Jay Lawrence, a train dispatcher, who now both work at Waterloo station.
Ocean Boreland, a student on the ‘Get Into Customer Service with SWR’ programme, said:
"The course was really good, from the workshops in the classroom to working on the stations, it felt like I was part of the team working for South Western Railway.
"I enjoyed the work experience the most, actually being on the stations and learning more about the different roles. I was helping passengers with their enquiries, vulnerable people get to and from the station platform and making that first impression count by meeting and greeting people on the gatelines before they travel.
"I think more young people should do this course. I learnt better communications skills and my understanding of passenger needs has improved. The course has given the me a hands-on insight into what I want to do in the future."
Glen Willie, SWR’s Inclusion and Diversity Manager, said:
"We wish Anthony, Azeem, Cardel, Courtney, Haile, Jamal, Malik and Ocean all the best for the future. It was an absolute pleasure to be involved in the Prince’s Trust ‘Get Into Customer Service with SWR’ programme.
"I have witnessed the change in these young people over the course of the programme as they have become more confident, improved their communication skills, as well as take advantage of the opportunity to build new workplace relationships.
"We take our responsibility in helping people achieve their potential very seriously. We actively encourage and support these programmes in order to raise awareness of the opportunities available to young people within SWR."
Lizi West, Operations Executive at The Prince's Trust, said:
"The Prince’s Trust partnership with South Western Railway has been a great opportunity for this cohort of young people to develop their skills and build experience in the rail industry. This programme has reinvigorated their energy to apply for roles they can succeed in.
"The programme is invaluable in showcasing the motivation, work ethic and energy young people can bring to an organisation, given the chance."
“The Prince’s Trust will continue to support these young people into secure employment, education or training to continue to develop their skills and build upon their experiences.”
A fourth programme will commence in October, based at SWR’s Southampton headquarters.
