James_D
Member
Hi all,
After months of perusing and posting on this forum, soaking up as much knowledge on the rail industry as possible, I have been successful in being offered an RPA position with Northern in the North East, starting in July.
Unfortunately, the position is part time, but having fallen into working in PR for a couple of years and coming to the realisation that it's rather boring and unfulfilling, i'm delighted to get into an industry I have a genuine interest in and that i hopefully can spend the rest of my career in and work my way up. I'm nearly 32 and have BA and MA degrees and have bags of customer service experience before uni etc.
Just wanted to get people's thoughts on what the career progression is like at Northern. I understand it's a 6 month probation then i'm able to apply for other roles? My aim is to train as a driver (just like everyone else!) but i'd also be happy to work as a conductor, station manager or in a planning function. Have people done a similar route? How much extra value to career progression does working a entry-level role like this give to moving up internally, compared with outside applicants? Are internal employees encouraged early to work their way up?
With the increase in services planned with the new franchise i was assured by my very senior interviewer that many additional frontline and onboard roles will be created so it's probably a great time to get in with at the TOC and get some experience before the expansion. If anyone has some advice or insight that would be most appreciated!
Cheers
After months of perusing and posting on this forum, soaking up as much knowledge on the rail industry as possible, I have been successful in being offered an RPA position with Northern in the North East, starting in July.
Unfortunately, the position is part time, but having fallen into working in PR for a couple of years and coming to the realisation that it's rather boring and unfulfilling, i'm delighted to get into an industry I have a genuine interest in and that i hopefully can spend the rest of my career in and work my way up. I'm nearly 32 and have BA and MA degrees and have bags of customer service experience before uni etc.
Just wanted to get people's thoughts on what the career progression is like at Northern. I understand it's a 6 month probation then i'm able to apply for other roles? My aim is to train as a driver (just like everyone else!) but i'd also be happy to work as a conductor, station manager or in a planning function. Have people done a similar route? How much extra value to career progression does working a entry-level role like this give to moving up internally, compared with outside applicants? Are internal employees encouraged early to work their way up?
With the increase in services planned with the new franchise i was assured by my very senior interviewer that many additional frontline and onboard roles will be created so it's probably a great time to get in with at the TOC and get some experience before the expansion. If anyone has some advice or insight that would be most appreciated!
Cheers
