Take your first step towards a career in the railway industry.
Are you aged 16 to 25, currently not in employment, education or training, and looking to gain valuable work experience?
Greater Anglia’s FREE, three-week First Step Into Rail programme, delivered in partnership with Central Training Academy, offers the opportunity to develop essential workplace skills, build confidence and experience what working in the railway industry is really like.
You’ll gain hands-on experience alongside Greater Anglia colleagues, take part in employability training and explore different career pathways across the rail industry.
Applications close 31 October 2026.
What You’ll Experience
Over three weeks, you’ll combine practical experience on the Greater Anglia network with training delivered by Central Training Academy.
You’ll work alongside experienced railway colleagues, gaining an understanding of customer service, daily station operations and the different careers available across the industry.
You’ll also develop essential employability skills, including communication, teamwork, time management, confidence and handling challenging situations.
The programme offers a wider introduction to the railway industry through Greater Anglia’s collaboration with c2c and Network Rail.
What Will You Gain?
Successfully completing First Step Into Rail will give you valuable experience and evidence of your achievements to support your future career.
You’ll receive:
Previous participants have successfully progressed into customer service and operational roles, demonstrating how the scheme can provide a stepping stone towards employment.
While a job is not guaranteed, the programme can help you gain the confidence and experience to take your next step.
Eligibility and Applications
To apply, you should be aged 16 to 25, currently not in employment, education or training, and interested in developing your workplace skills.
The scheme is particularly suited to young people with little or no previous work experience.
As the railway is a safety-critical industry, applicants should be responsible, reliable, enthusiastic and willing to learn.
Places are limited. Applications will be reviewed by Central Training Group, and successful applicants will need to complete an interview before being offered a place.
Programme Costs and Travel
The programme is free to attend but unpaid.
Free travel on Greater Anglia services will be provided during your time on the scheme, with partner operator travel included where applicable.
Programme Dates: 16 November 2026 – 4 December 2026
Applicants must be available for the full programme.
Ready to take your first step into rail? Enquire now to apply before 31 October 2026.
What You’ll Experience
Over three weeks, you’ll combine practical experience on the Greater Anglia network with training delivered by Central Training Academy.
You’ll work alongside experienced railway colleagues, gaining an understanding of customer service, daily station operations and the different careers available across the industry.
You’ll also develop essential employability skills, including communication, teamwork, time management, confidence and handling challenging situations.
The programme offers a wider introduction to the railway industry through Greater Anglia’s collaboration with c2c and Network Rail.
What Will You Gain?
Successfully completing First Step Into Rail will give you valuable experience and evidence of your achievements to support your future career.
You’ll receive:
Previous participants have successfully progressed into customer service and operational roles, demonstrating how the scheme can provide a stepping stone towards employment.
While a job is not guaranteed, the programme can help you gain the confidence and experience to take your next step.
Eligibility and Applications
To apply, you should be aged 16 to 25, currently not in employment, education or training, and interested in developing your workplace skills.
The scheme is particularly suited to young people with little or no previous work experience.
As the railway is a safety-critical industry, applicants should be responsible, reliable, enthusiastic and willing to learn.
Places are limited. Applications will be reviewed by Central Training Group, and successful applicants will need to complete an interview before being offered a place.
Programme Costs and Travel
The programme is free to attend but unpaid.
Free travel on Greater Anglia services will be provided during your time on the scheme, with partner operator travel included where applicable.
Programme Dates: 16 November 2026 – 4 December 2026
Applicants must be available for the full programme.
Ready to take your first step into rail? Enquire now to apply before 31 October 2026.
Aged 18 to 25 and not currently in education or training
You will receive an email shortly regarding your course enquiry.