Virtual

Rail Virtual Work Experience: Careers with TransPennine Express

Job sector

Supply Chain, Transport & Logistics

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This programme is open to anyone aged 13+

Certificate of completion

Over 7 hours worth of content

Overview

Join TransPennine Express’ Virtual Work Experience to gain a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the rail industry. In this exciting, interactive programme, you’ll explore everything from train planning and operations to customer experience and onboard services.

With insights from real professionals, hands-on activities, and essential employability skills, this course offers a practical introduction to the many rewarding careers in rail. Whether you’re curious about operations, customer service, or how timetables are put together, this experience is tailored to help you find your track.

What’s Included

You’ll be guided through different areas of TransPennine Express, learning about the company’s core values, its commitment to sustainability, and the importance of customer service. With Springpod Sessions featuring real TransPennine Express professionals, hands-on activities, and quizzes to test your knowledge, each module brings you closer to understanding the rail industry’s vast opportunities. You’ll also receive guidance on employability skills, CV creation, and even receive a certificate upon completion, boosting your profile for future career opportunities.

Introduction to TransPennine Express

Gain knowledge about TransPennine Express (TPE) and the UK’s rail industry. This module offers an overview of the rail operator’s history, vision and values, and commitment to sustainability and the communities it servces. Discover why TPE is a top choice for career development in rail transportation and reflect on how its values align with your own career goals. Start your journey with a rail company that puts customers and communities first.

Train Planning & Operations

Explore the strategic world of train planning and rail operations, where you’ll learn what it takes to keep trains running smoothly. In this module, discover key rail roles, from Train Planners to Controllers, and learn the steps for entry-level positions and career progression. Try your hand at creating a train timetable and experience the excitement of solving real-world rail challenges. This hands-on experience will set you apart in your journey towards a rail career.

Customer Experience

Learn how customer experience drives passenger satisfaction in the rail industry. Explore roles such as Customer Service Agent, Station Assistant, and Onboard Staff, gaining insights into their daily responsibilities and the key skills needed to excel. By engaging in real-life customer service scenarios, you’ll sharpen skills in communication and problem-solving, essential for a successful career in rail.

Onboard Services

Step into the shoes of onboard staff with this immersive look at careers in customer support. Discover the daily responsibilities of Train Managers, Catering Staff, and Service Assistants, learning how they ensure a seamless customer experience. TPE’s onboard team will guide you through the skills, qualifications, and career pathways in customer care. Join this module to find out if a career in rail service is right for you.

Career Pathways at TransPennine Express

Essential Employability Skills for Rail Careers

Available dates

Starting soon

Programme dates

16th December 2024 - 5th May 2025

Hear from our student community

“

Aqsa Saleemi, Year 12 Student

Thank you for all your time and effort. The program was by far the best experience I’ve had virtually compared to other virtual experiences I’ve done. I liked the layout and the interactive activities, and I learnt a lot I didn’t know. I would definitely recommend this program to others; it was a great experience I would love to do it all again.

“

Sophia Nathwani, Year 11 Student, from Hampton

I enjoyed understanding the many professions and areas within journalism that I had not been able to clearly separate prior to this programme; I particularly enjoyed the photojournalism and broadcast journalism sections, as they allowed me to explore a less conventional writing style than what I would normally use. The interactive tasks were a great way for me to demonstrate and put into practice my new knowledge, and all of the videos were extremely concise and helpful.

“

Stephanie Oseha, Year 12 Student

A huge thank you to everyone who made this programme possible. It was a fantastic experience, and I feel more confident in myself now when applying for a job position in the future and in my personal life. I valued this experience because I realised it was okay to make mistakes and how they make you stronger for future events. I loved how efficient the Barclays team was when students and the professionals who ran the live webinars asked questions. The skills I've learnt through this virtual work experience will be used for future endeavours. So once again, thank you so much.

Frequently asked questions

I have a question about my application or programme eligibility

When will I hear back if I have been successful with my application?

Once you have applied for your programme, you will receive a confirmation email. You will be notified about the outcome of your application via email at least 3 days before the programme start date. Good luck!

Can I apply to multiple programmes?

Yes, you can sign up to multiple programmes with us. The live talks will be available as recordings, so you can catch up on any potential clashes.

Who can take part in the programme? (Age limits, some programmes have location constraints but most don’t etc.)

Most of our programmes require students to be in school/college. Some programmes require students to be based in specific regions of the UK, this is stipulated by the organisations themselves, and is not defined by Springpod.

However, the ages mentioned on our programmes are more of a guideline than a strict limit. As such, we more than welcome older students to apply as well!

I have a question about my assignment

How long does it take for assignments to be reviewed?

Assignments can take up to a week or longer to review and be marked complete. Rest assured, it will be reviewed soon and your certificate will be generated once your programme has been marked as complete.

What do I do if I upload the wrong file?

If you make a mistake when uploading a file, please email hello@springpod.com. We will be able to make a note on our system. Don’t worry, the outcome of your programme will not be affected by this.

I have a question about the programme dates, deadline or workload

How long will I have to complete this programme?

There is no specific cut-off deadline for completing your programme (although, if possible, we would encourage you to complete all the work within the time frame, alongside the live webinar sessions).

When does the programme start?

Our programmes have various start dates, you can find the exact date on the programme website page. These are available here: https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience/search

You will be notified if your application has been successful, 3 days before the programme start date.

What happens if I can't finish the work experience in time?

All programme material will remain accessible after the end date of the programme. Students can continue to work through their programme after the official end date. Although, if possible, we would strongly encourage students to complete all the work within the time frame, alongside the live webinar sessions.

How much work is required for these programmes? (Will I be able/should I complete more than one programme at a time)?

There is around 10 hours worth of work in total, spread across a two week period. The live talks will be available as recordings, so you can catch up on any work whenever possible.

When do the programmes run? (programme structure etc.)

Once you have access, you can view and complete the material as and when you can, within the time frame of the course in question (for example, within a two week period). In total, there is around 10 hours worth of work. The live talks will take place during weekday working hours. However, all live talks will be available as recordings and the courses can be completed at your own convenience. . There is no specific cut-off deadline for completing your programme (although, if possible, we would encourage you to complete all the work within the time frame, alongside the live webinar sessions).

I have a question about the live talks

What happens if I can't make a live talk/webinar?

All live talks will be available as recordings. You can access these at the same link used to access the live event. So don’t worry if you can’t attend a live webinar, a recording will be available for you to access through your programme within 24 hours of the live event finishing.

What software is required for the live talks?

We use a piece of software called BigMarker. It is a cloud based video hosting software. It requires no installations or downloads on your end, and will provide everything you need to join the live webinars through one simple link.

Will I be able to ask questions/do I have to have my microphone on?

You will have a chance to ask questions at the end of each webinar. These questions are typed out and then read to the presenter by the host of the live talk. There is no need to speak, and all student microphones will be muted for the duration of the live webinar.

I have a question about the certificate

I have a question about in-person work experience

Do you offer in-person work experience?
We don't directly manage in person work experience but many of our virtual programmes can lead to in person opportunities, look for the programmes marked as 'Virtual to Reality'. You will need to complete the virtual programme and declare your interest via the embedded form.
When will I hear if there is an in-person opportunity?
Our employer partner will contact you directly about any opportunities, timescales can vary Springpod won't be able to provide any updates on progress.

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Ready to find out if this career is right for you?