A NEW scheme by a York-based train firm is offering support to young people through work experience placements across the business.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has created the roles as part of the Kickstart Scheme, which encourages businesses to provide new job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds who may be at risk of unemployment.

Craig Laughton, head of learning experience at LNER, said: “The last year has been an incredibly challenging time for young people who are just starting out in the world of work.

“We therefore jumped at the chance to create opportunities, introducing young people to the variety of different professions in the rail industry and providing them with new experience and skills that will aid them in their career.”

Since March, LNER has welcomed a total of 14 young people, taking up a range of roles - from engineering to marketing and human resources.

Sophie Partington, who joined LNER on the Kickstart scheme, said: “I graduated from university last year and have found it to be a struggle to gain a meaningful job without prior experience.

“I am therefore really excited about my placement with LNER and look forward to gaining new skills and experience that will help me in my future career.”

Each individual has a development plan which will be monitored throughout the placement.

In January, LNER was awarded ‘UK Top Employer’ status by the Top Employers Institute for the second year running.