You can find a place in the rail industry with Northern
Here at Northern, we’re proud to support those who Serve. As we work towards our Armed Forces Covenant ERS gold award, we’re dedicated to employing Veterans and recognising the breadth of Military skills and qualifications within our business.
We know it can be daunting transitioning into civilian life, especially if you have only ever known Military service and have no industry-specific experience. But with an abundance of transferable skills, we’re confident you can find a place in the rail industry.
Northern Armed Forces Group
Made up of over 100 members, our Armed Forces Group is a colleague-led community that promotes a welcoming and inclusive culture within Northern to support our Reservists, Veterans and Cadet Force volunteers, as well as Military spouses and families.
The group is chaired by Patrick Hodgson, who spent 27 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and moved into Northen’s engineering team when he first transitioned into civilian life. In collaboration with the wider business, the group is a true driving force to help us deliver our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant through meaningful action.
“A home away from home”
Rob Brown, an on-board systems service technician and deputy vice-chair of our Armed Forces Group, has been an active Army reservist with the REME for the last two years. He said: “The railway is like a home away from home for people who have Served in the Military, because they work as part of a close-knit team within a clear structure. It doesn’t matter what rank you are in the Military, when you come to Northern you will find your fit because there are so many different roles and we have such a good Armed Forces community.”
“I can bring my best self to work”
Fleet improvement engineer, Kate Towns, has been in the Royal Artillery reserves for six years alongside her day job. She said: “Being in the Reserves has given me a higher level of self-discipline which is part of the Army ethos, as well as time management skills, a safety-first mindset and organisational skills – it makes you way more productive and has helped with both my careers. I feel that at Northern I can bring my best self to work – and I’d encourage anyone with an interest in the Armed Forces to explore how they can get involved.”
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
If you have left or are in the process of leaving the Military and are looking to put your skills and experience to use on the railways, please register for job alerts on our careers website.
www.northernrailway.co.uk/careers
