Youth Work
We are keen to support young people across the Southern network and we do this in many different ways:
- Work experience
- School visits
- Curriculum support
- Engineering apprenticeship scheme
Experience Southern
Schools Work Experience
Southern offers students aged 15-19 the opportunity to complete a one week work placement. During this week, the students experience a broad range of business activities and take part in a range of projects aimed at giving them a real experience of the workplace. Each student also receives careers advice and support using Southern’s award winning coaching style.
“They are all really nice and friendly people that work within the company and I would love to come back and do this week again.” Student, 15 Years Old
“It was really good and everyone was lovely! I will definitely recommend this to other people.” Student, 15 Years Old
We encourage applications from students across the Southern network. To apply, simply write to labo.fayemi@southernrailway.com expressing interest in the scheme and why you would like to experience Southern in particular.
Job Centre Plus Partnership
We are working in partnership with Job Centre Plus to support young people who are looking for work. For some young people a lack of understanding of the working world is a significant barrier to finding and sustaining employment. Southern is helping young people to overcome this barrier through work experience placements. In a climate where experience is hard to across, these placements give them the opportunity to undertake real work and adjust to the routines and habits of working life.
The aim of this partnership is to significantly improve the young peoples’ employment prospects but Southern also benefits from this interaction by accessing a new group of future employees, supporting the local community and the satisfaction of mentoring hidden talent.
Engineering Apprenticeships
For budding engineers, we also offer several apprenticeships each year where you can learn as you work achieving qualifications whilst getting paid. For more information visit notforlightweights.com.
Community
Artwork in Horsham
Horsham station is currently undergoing a £multi-million major refurbishment and as large hoardings and fences are part and parcel of such a project, the Sussex Community Rail Partnership got in touch with The College of Richard Collyer to work on a project to display A-Level students’ artwork on the hoardings and fences while work at the station takes place.
20 large panels, displaying around 56 pieces of art including drawings, paintings and photography reflecting Horsham and its history will be on view during the refurbishment project. The students’ artwork is outstanding and makes a real difference to the station.
“We are delighted to be involved in this creative project, as it provides a great opportunity for our young artists to showcase their talent. The outstanding quality of the work on show is a reflection of their fantastic ability. We are incredibly proud of our students and they are a credit to Collyer’s and our superb Art department.” Collyer’s Principal, Dr Jackie Johnston
Makin Tracks
Rhymes and beats, about your street, give us some of where you’re from!
Makin Tracks is the current Stakeholder Advisory Board's project to help engage better with our younger passengers by appealing to their creative nature and get them involved with the railway in a much more positive way. So 14 to 19 year olds were invited to make a music video about where they live, work, or study on the Southern railway network. Part of the winner’s prize is that their masterpiece will be posted on YouTube ready to go viral.
To see the finalists, go to Southern’s YouTube site southernrailway.com/makintracks. The final viral videos will also be posted on this site towards the end of the summer.
