Transport for London and Peabody help young people to get work ready

Transport for London and Peabody are piloting a new pre-apprenticeship programme to help upskill young people for the world of work through employability skills sessions and the chance to gain work experience.

The scheme’s first intake, consisting of 16 people aged between 16-24 from across London, started the new programme yesterday and heard about the different careers they can pursue in the transport industry. They also heard from a range of speakers, including representatives from three of TfL’s key suppliers, Stagecoach, KeolisAmey Docklands, and Ferrovial Agroman Laing O’Rourke.

The attendees come from a range of backgrounds, with some studying at college and others being patrons of Peabody. For many of them, this is the first time that they will receive in-depth, practical advice about the working world. The sessions, which run over several weeks and are provided by Peabody at BSix college in Hackney, will focus on a range of topics. These include how to write an effective CV, presentation tips and how to identify your strengths and weaknesses. There is also the option of additional support for studying Maths for those who require it.

Real-life industry work experience

Attendees will get the opportunity to put their newfound skills to the test in mock interviews, so that they feel confident when applying for jobs. There is also the possibility for them to gain real-life work experience as they can undertake a short work placement with one of the three suppliers during the programme. Stagecoach and KeolisAmey Docklands are also offering those who successfully engage with the scheme the chance to be fast-tracked through to the final application stages for their apprenticeship schemes.

Dana Skelley OBE, Director of Asset Management and Head of the Graduate and Apprenticeship Board at TfL, said: “It‘s vital that we inspire young people from a range of backgrounds to consider a career in transport. By working with Peabody and our suppliers, we are doing just that. This programme will make sure that those taking part can put their best foot forward when starting their future career paths and will enable them to gain real experience in the industry and realise where their strengths lie.”

Veronica Kirwan, Director of Community Programmes at Peabody, said: “It’s increasingly difficult for young people to get their foot on the career ladder these days, that’s why partnerships such as this are so important. This pre-employability programme will help young people gain the skills they need to start their careers and fulfil their potential. It’s great to have the support of TfL and their suppliers; together, we can help young people accomplish their ambitions.”

Lacey Rowlatt, HR Manager at KeolisAmey Docklands, said: “We are pleased to be working with Peabody and TfL to support our local communities and provide development support and work place practical experience for young groups in east London.  It will provide access to learning about the skills and behaviours that could deliver a rewarding career path and help to excite tomorrow’s youth about a rewarding career path in the transport industry.”

Olivia Frost, Responsible Procurement Manager at Ferrovial Agroman Laing O’Rourke, said: “With major infrastructure projects centred around transport already in progress and even bigger ones starting imminently it’s vital that the construction industry addresses the massive skills shortage it currently faces. A great way to do this is draw on the huge pool of young talent out there and engage with them around the opportunities available that may suit their skill set, and enable them to pursue these careers. Through working with TfL, BSix and Peabody on a bespoke pre-employment programme we are able to do just that, supporting young people in London and growing their potential.”

Darren Roe, Stagecoach London Engineering Director, said: “We are looking for individuals that have an inquisitive mind and see a piece of technology and think, how does that work, how does that go in there and how does that fit? We are looking for those people who would have ‘How stuff works’ in their bookmark, or would not think twice about watching videos on YouTube to fill a void in their knowledge. There are 19 engineering directors in Stagecoach all of whom started off as apprentices, so this is an apprenticeship where you can develop and progress. But we are not looking for engineers when we take on apprentices – we are looking for that someone special who we will develop them and teach how to be an engineer. We are doing just that by working with Peabody.”