Applications for this job are now closed
We're all about journeys. A to B. Here to there. We connect people and communities, and we make sure they're smiling along the way. Our graduate roles are designed to take you on a journey, too. Wherever you envision your career going, opportunities within FirstGroup are the perfect place to start.
Over the course of two years as a Rail Operations Management Graduate, we'll provide the development, mentorship and support needed for you to thrive in whatever direction your career takes you. FirstGroup graduates don't spend all their time staring at computer screens or fetching coffees. We're big believers in hands-on experience. From day one you'll be learning how to think strategically and potentially become a future leader within our business.
Which rail companies could I work in?
FirstGroup is one of the UK's most experienced rail operators. We're all over the UK, from Cornwall up to Scotland, and our business is growing and evolving alongside the wider industry. We currently operate several franchises in which we can place graduates – including Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway and TransPennine Express as well as South Western Railway and the open access passenger rail service, Hull Trains. In an average year, our rail services transport 345 million passengers from over 400 stations.
We understand our industry and how to help you thrive within it.
What does the programme involve?
We're keen to encourage our graduates to get out of their comfort zones, so you'll need plenty of drive as you get to grips with our day-to-day.
As well as this, it'll be important for you to exemplify solid strategic awareness from the get go, looking at the bigger picture to gain an understanding of how your decisions can affect things down the line. Ours is a fast-moving operation in more ways than one, so you'll also be able to spot commercial opportunities, react quickly to issues as they arise, and be comfortable analysing data as you present proposals to improve the way we work. And of course, you'll always put the safety and happiness of our passengers and our people first.
You'll be on the move from day one and over the two years you'll get stuck into a variety of projects such as…
- Hands-on participation as a member of our train, station and customer service teams
- Go on a placement within Network Rail
- Experience project and contract management
- Spend time with the Performance and Safety teams
- Join our Commercial, Operations and Finance teams
- Get involved in other business critical projects when required
Who are you looking for and what qualifications do I need?
First things first: we'd like you to have at least a 2:2 in any degree subject.
If you're ready to get stuck in, take on new challenges and discover all of the incredible doors that a career with FirstGroup can open, we want to hear from you. You'll be mentored at every stage and we'll work with you to make sure that you realise your full potential; we'd love it if you're already envisioning yourself in a management role in the future. You should be able to build positive relationships and work alongside your colleagues at every level, and strongly believe in the organisation's goals and values; safety and the customer should be at the heart of everything you do.
Where will I be located?
As our industry is always on the move, you'll need the flexibility to move to different locations and to work with different teams within your Train Operating Company. You may also spend time on placements away from home. It's how you'll broaden your experience over the two-year programme.
What will I receive in return?
We offer a competitive salary, travel benefits, pension scheme, buy as you earn and save as you earn share schemes as well as discount and cash back programmes with high street and online retailers. On top of these, we'll also offer you development courses, all supported by a range of colleagues within a wide network. And if applicable, opportunities to apply for professional training in fields of interest that are relevant for your role
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. This means we've created a culture where all our colleagues can thrive.
How will I be selected?
Our graduate recruitment process has five key stages. Once you've submitted your application, you'll be invited to complete a series of online tests. If successful, it's onto video interviews, then an Assessment Centre, and then we make our offers. We'll update you on the progress of your application by email, so make sure you keep an eye on your inbox.
Applications must be received by the 16th January, and where applicable pre-assessment stages completed before the 31st January, 2022.
Join us at FirstGroup today and find out where tomorrow could take you.
