Interested in exploring a career in the railway industry? Greater Anglia’s First Step Into Rail programme is returning this November, offering young people the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop valuable workplace skills and discover potential career pathways.
Delivered in partnership with Central Training Academy, this free, three-week programme combines practical experience within a professional railway environment with training designed to build confidence and improve future employment prospects.
With support from c2c and Network Rail, participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the wider railway industry and how different teams work together to keep services running safely.
Applications are now open for the next programme, running from 16 November to 4 December 2026. Applications close on Saturday 31 October 2026.
🚆 What is Greater Anglia’s First Step into Rail Programme?
First Step Into Rail is a three-week vocational training and work experience programme aimed at young people aged 16 to 25 who are currently not in employment, education or training.
The programme is designed to help those with limited or no previous work experience develop the skills, confidence and knowledge that employers are looking for.
Over three weeks, participants will:
- Shadow frontline Customer Service staff at busy Greater Anglia stations
- Attend classroom-based training sessions at Stratford HQ
- Build confidence, communication and teamwork skills
- Gain insight into engineering, customer service, and service delivery roles
- Develop an understanding of the wider rail network through Greater Anglia’s collaboration with c2c and Network Rail
Alongside their practical experience, Central Training Academy will deliver training focused on communication, teamwork, confidence, time management, customer service and handling challenging situations.
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion and can request a letter of reference to support future job applications, alongside valuable experience to add to their CV.
📣 Celebrating the Success of Our Previous Cohort
In February 2026, 14 young people took part in Greater Anglia’s First Step Into Rail programme, gaining hands-on experience across the railway network.
Their journey included railway depot visits, exploring the Inspiration Train, using simulators and learning about customer-facing roles. These experiences helped participants develop practical skills, build confidence and discover opportunities within the industry.
The programme concluded with participants delivering presentations reflecting on their experiences and receiving certificates recognising their achievements.
Previous participants have also successfully progressed into customer service and operational roles within the railway industry, demonstrating how the programme can provide a valuable stepping stone towards employment.
Want to see what the programme is really like?
Watch our previous First Step Into Rail cohort’s journey on Instagram.
✔️ What Can First Step Into Rail Lead To?
First Step Into Rail offers more than an introduction to the railway industry. It provides an opportunity to build practical experience, gain recognised evidence of participation and prepare for future employment or training.
Upon successfully completing the programme, participants will receive:
- A certificate of completion recognising their achievement
- A letter of reference upon request to support future job applications
- Valuable work experience to include on their CV
- Transferable workplace skills to support their next steps
Greater Anglia is committed to helping young people explore future careers in rail, and previous participants have successfully progressed into customer service and other operational roles within the industry.
Although the programme does not guarantee employment, the experience can help participants stand out when applying for future opportunities.
Greater Anglia’s collaboration with c2c and Network Rail also supports the Rail Youth Promise, reflecting a shared commitment to opening up opportunities for young people across the railway industry.
👥 Who Can Apply?
First Step Into Rail is designed for young people who:
- Are aged 16 to 25
- Are currently not in employment, education or training
- Have limited or no previous work experience
- Are interested in exploring careers within the railway industry
- Can commit to attending the full three-week programme
As the railway is a safety-critical industry, applicants should demonstrate maturity, reliability and a positive attitude towards learning.
The programme is free to attend but unpaid, with free travel provided on Greater Anglia services and applicable partner routes during the scheme.
Places are limited, and applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and successfully complete the application and interview process, managed by Central Training Academy.
November 2026 Programme Dates
- Application deadline: Saturday 31 October 2026
- Start date: Monday 16 November 2026
- End date: Friday 4 December 2026
- Attendance: Monday to Friday for the full three weeks
- Location: Stratford and local Greater Anglia stations
Take Your First Step Towards a Career in Rail
Whether you’re unsure about your next career move, have little work experience or are curious about the railway industry, First Step Into Rail could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
With practical experience, dedicated training and support from industry professionals, the programme offers a chance to develop the skills and confidence needed for your next steps.
Applications close on 31 October 2026. Don’t miss your opportunity to get involved!
