Arriva Rail London (ARL) has teamed up with charity The Talent Foundry (TTF) and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) to support nearly 65,000 young people in 2024 – part of a growing initiative to boost social mobility and inspire future careers in the rail industry.
The collaboration formed part of ‘Track to the Future’, an innovative mentoring and skills development programme focused on engaging students from underserved communities along the London Overground network. The project combined employability training with real-world railway insights, encouraging young people to consider rail as a rewarding career path.
Inspiring Careers, Tackling Local Challenges
ARL’s Environment, Social Value and Governance (ESG) team worked closely with the revenue protection and security teams to identify stations with safety and welfare concerns – such as ticketless travel, trespass, and disengagement among youth. These locations were then prioritised for delivery of the Track to the Future programme to ensure the greatest local impact.
Over 20 ARL volunteers supported the programme through a structured, four-part series of mentoring sessions delivered both in schools and at ARL’s head office. Students explored live rail industry challenges while gaining practical, transferable skills in teamwork, innovation, problem-solving, and presentation.
The programme concluded with mock interviews and assessment centre-style activities, preparing participants for future career opportunities both inside and outside the transport sector.
Creating Lasting Impact in the Rail Sector
Jenni Anderson, Chief Executive of The Talent Foundry, praised the partnership:
“Working with ARL and RSSB to deliver Track to the Future has been an incredible opportunity to engage and empower young people. Through hands-on workshops and support from volunteers, we’ve helped build their confidence, skills, and interest in a future within the rail industry. Together, we are shaping a diverse and skilled workforce for tomorrow.”
Shivani Hill, ARL’s Head of ESG, added:
“This programme helps us look beyond the day-to-day and make a real difference to communities we serve. By giving students a behind-the-scenes view of their local station and its role in their neighbourhood, we hope to foster pride, curiosity, and ambition.
It’s been equally enriching for our colleagues, who gained fresh insights from working closely with these inspiring young people.”
Looking Ahead: More Schools to Join in 2025
Following the success of the 2024 pilot, ARL has committed to expanding the programme, with the next phase due to begin in April 2025 at a school in Enfield, running until June. The initiative aligns with ARL’s wider commitment to diversity, inclusion, and building a resilient, community-focused workforce for the future of London’s railway.
