Southeastern has announced its "largest ever" recruitment campaign, with plans to hire 600 new employees over the next year. This significant drive aims to fill a wide range of roles, including 170 trainee drivers and over 100 station staff positions across Kent, East Sussex, and south-east London.
Doubling the Usual Hiring Rate
This target represents a substantial increase, nearly doubling the number of people Southeastern typically recruits in a year. The company has recognised a growing need for staff as it looks to improve and expand its services across the network. Southeastern's People Director, Steve Foster, explained that most roles do not require previous railway experience or specific qualifications. “For many jobs, we provide full training,” he noted, encouraging applications from those new to the industry.
Diverse Opportunities Available
The recruitment drive is not limited to drivers and station staff. Southeastern is also seeking to hire onboard managers, train conductors, engineers, and professionals for roles in railway enforcement and protection. The wide variety of positions reflects the company’s efforts to bolster all areas of its operations and ensure a high standard of service for passengers.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Mr Foster also highlighted Southeastern's commitment to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves. “We want to recruit people who represent the communities we serve,” he stated. “There are many talented potential employees out there who could enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career in various roles across our network."
As part of this commitment, Southeastern aims to increase the number of hires from underrepresented groups by 10% each year, promoting greater diversity and inclusion within the company.
Impact of Recent Industrial Action
The recruitment campaign comes in the wake of recent industrial action by the Aslef and RMT unions, which has impacted operations. Despite these challenges, Southeastern remains focused on strengthening its workforce and enhancing service delivery. At present, there are no scheduled strikes, allowing the company to concentrate on its ambitious hiring goals.
A Positive Step Forward
This recruitment drive represents a positive step forward for Southeastern as it seeks to improve service levels and better serve its passengers. By investing in a larger, more diverse workforce, the company is laying the groundwork for a more robust and resilient rail network in the south-east.
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