This month, Newcastle College celebrated a successful first year working in partnership with Lumo.

The Newcastle-based train operator is helping to equip the next generation of local travel and tourism professionals with invaluable skills for the sector, and over the past year has welcomed four cohorts of students to take part in a 6-week work experience placement. 

50 students studying Travel and Aviation Operations at Newcastle College have taken part in the work experience scheme with Lumo so far.

Real-life experience is at the centre of the initiative, to help students prepare for embarking on a career in the rail industry. Designed to give hands-on experience, students have taken roles onboard trains dealing with customers, as well as working alongside the planning team, problem-solving and amending live train schedules.

Students have also received additional career support from Lumo in the form of mock interviews and coaching sessions to gain valuable, transferable skills. 

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Lumo said, “At Lumo we’re passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation. As a local employer in Newcastle, we’re proud to be working in partnership with Newcastle College to actively boost the rail industry as a great career choice for young people. 

“The range of skills in our industry is vast so our placement programme is designed with flexibility. We want students to find their own niche, whether that’s a more creative role working in head office alongside the marketing team or, a people-first position with our Customer Experience Ambassadors on board.”

Tanya Brown, Curriculum Lead at Newcastle College said, “We're keen to show our learners the endless possibilities of a successful and fulfilling career in the rail industry. The partnership with Lumo has done exactly that. A programme designed specifically for college students, to gain realistic experience and develop practical skills that they can carry throughout their career. We’re excited to see what the future holds, as we continue our partnership with Lumo in years to come.” 

Lumo and Newcastle College have already started planning for the 2024/25 term. They’re aiming to drive opportunities for young people in the rail industry to new heights with students.