Graduates

The Go-Ahead Rail Graduate programme

In this scheme, you get full exposure to all elements of the business. You’ll build a well-rounded base of knowledge and will be able to make an informed choice about where you would enjoy completing your first placement after finishing the scheme. Applications for the 2021 scheme have already closed. But you can learn more about our programme – and check for 2022 scheme details

It's never a dull day in the railway. Our rail graduate scheme offers all you numerous skills to develop your career, whether you're focused on people or project management.

Learning to manage some of the UK's largest and busiest stations
Working behind the scenes on key projects
Gaining critical safety and customer service skills

1. Do your research

If you're looking to join our 2022 graduate intake, doing research can make you stand out. Make sure your research extends beyond our website. Travel on our networks if you can, get in touch with our teams, follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn and learn about the transport sector and our competitors.

2. Submit your application online

Your application is our introduction to you. We ask you to provide tailored response to questions. We advise you use the 'STAR' method to structure your responses - discussing a situation, the task (what you had to do), action (what you did) and the result.

3. Online assessments

You will need to do a combination of verbal and numerical tasks. There will be some practice questions beforehand so that you can become accustomed to what they will be like.

4. Interviews

Interviews can be a little daunting at first but with the right practice and preparation you’ll feel more confident, allowing you to present your best self. Make sure you practice with your friends and family. Use plenty of examples in your answers.

5. Assessment centres

Once you're past the interviews, we will invite you to come and see us at one of our assessment centres. It's a chance for you to meet us and demonstrate a wider range of skills through a combination of tasks and activities.

6. Final Interview

This is when you will be meeting the leaders of the business you will be working at, so it’s vital you make a good impression! How? The more you know about their business (even what happened yesterday), the better.

Dan, Go-Ahead rail graduate

After completing his degree in Geography at the University of Hertfordshire, Dan became a station assistant at Govia Thameslink Railway. That’s where he heard about Go-Ahead’s graduate scheme and decided to apply.

Dan says:
“My first placement was at Southeastern Railway in Station Management. The thing I enjoyed the most was the variety of the role and having the responsibility and trust to go out and make decisions to benefit both colleagues and passengers.

The role was mostly people management, rather than dealing with customers directly, and there were plenty of courses available to develop my people management skills. These included absence management, investigation skills and dealing with difficult situations.

As my placement progressed, I would do station inspections, put together the colleague newsletter, audit ticket offices and do welfare checks on our colleagues at outer and rural stations. I also had the opportunity to interview for new frontline colleagues and shadow various teams and departments across the business.

I would definitely recommend the Go-Ahead graduate scheme. My confidence has improved so much and it’s a really exciting time to be working in the rail industry.”

Rob - Go-Ahead rail graduate

Rob applied for Go-Ahead’s graduate scheme after studying Geography at Newcastle University. He joined the rail track of the graduate scheme, working at Southeastern.

Rob says:
“Go-Ahead appealed to me as it’s a multinational company with plenty of opportunity. I have always wanted to work in a fast-paced environment and have always had a key interest in transport.

Throughout my time on the graduate scheme I have had many opportunities to tailor my own development. I have done two placements so far: one being station management, and the other working on projects in an office function. I was able to tailor both opportunities and experience how the railway works from numerous angles.

I’ve developed communication and leadership skills and enjoyed the variety of the scheme as every day is different.

Louise, Go-Ahead rail graduate

Louise, Go-Ahead rail graduate: Louise applied for the Go-Ahead Graduate scheme in 2018 after completing a degree in Drama at Queen Mary University of London. After the scheme she progressed into the business as a Business Change Project Manager at GTR, working on high level projects including the East Coast Upgrade – a billion pound project.

Louise says:
“Go Ahead has now run a successful scheme for multiple years now, offering a great steppingstone from University into a professional environment. During my time on the scheme, I was supported throughout whilst developing skills through hands on learning which made the transition into a career that much easier. Within 2 years I had gained experience in Station Management, Conductor Management and Project management, making me a well rounded and skilled rail professional. The graduate scheme has taught me various skills which I use today as a Project Manager including time management, working with new people and organisation. I would highly recommend this scheme to anybody looking for a path into rail”