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Network rail expands graduate program

200px-NetworkRailVector.svgNETWORK RAIL is increasing its investment in the talent of the future by raising the number of places available on its graduate and work placement schemes by over 40% in Wales, the firm has said. With a plan to spend £38bn on running, maintaining and improving Britain’s railways over the next five years, the company is looking to recruit 145 graduates – up from 100 last year – to join its 2015 graduate scheme and help build a bigger, better railway for Britain.

Around a third of the places will be open to those with engineering degrees, with the company keen to attract people from a wide mix of academic backgrounds for the remainder. As well as opportunities in engineering (civil, mechanical and electrical or electronic), graduates can apply for jobs in general management, finance, property, strategic planning, supply chain, business technology and project management, with positions available all over Britain. A further 40 places are available on the company’s one-year work placement scheme.

Open to secondyear undergraduates, the scheme gives students the chance to obtain invaluable exposure to the workplace which will stand them in good stead as they apply for jobs on completion of their degrees. Sian Lewis joined the operations and customer services graduate scheme in Cardiff after graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in history in 2007.

She told The Herald: “The year on the scheme gave me a wealth of experience in different areas – train punctuality, signalling and how we deal with bad weather as well as,time spent with maintenance out on track and with train operating companies.Since then, I have worked in project management in track renewals. Today, I am accountable for a £27m programme of enhancements to improve stations and make journeys faster and more reliable. “As graduates we are actively encouraged to move around the business and get as much experience as possible. The variety really appeals to me – no two days are ever the same and you really feel like you are making a difference. You are given responsibility early on and are supported to grow and improve throughout your career.” Applications for next year’s schemes must be submitted by midday on Monday 29 December 2014.

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