An on-train Customer Host has been describing how a work placement opened career opportunities with LNER.

Patience Guildford secured her role after completing the ‘Never Mind the Gap’ program, which is currently offering women opportunities to explore the rail industry.

The partnership between train operators LNER, Northern and TransPennine Express, as well as Network Rail and Women in Rail, provides training and work placements for women looking to get their career ‘on track’ after a period out of work. 

Patience took part in the two-week programme earlier this year and was inspired to apply for a job as a customer experience host.

She now works onboard trains serving customers on the East Coast Main Line.

Patience said: “My confidence has grown so much since I started the ‘Never Mind the Gap’ experience when I was at a low point in my life.

I now feel I can help others with valuable skills such as writing CVs, job applications and interview preparation. I am proud of what I achieved and am delighted to be working at LNER.” 

Everyone who takes part in the ‘Never Mind the Gap’ programme has a mentor who is on hand to support them during and after the placement. 

Speaking about her mentor, Patience said: “My mentor was wonderful. She devoted lots of time to helping me, not just in getting back to work, but in so many ways. 

She helped me to believe in myself and she has never let me feel alone since. I couldn’t have done this without her.”

Patience’s mentor, Kelly Griffin-Sapey, who works in LNER’s People Team, said: “I firmly believe it is all about heart, listening, understanding and being there to support. Patience is an amazing person.

Sometimes when you are applying for roles and not finding immediate success it can take its toll.

I would say it is always important to remind people of their strengths, encourage them to stay positive and keeping trying until they succeed.”

Although Patience’s rail career is in its infancy, she is keen to progress and has set her sights on becoming a train driver.

“I would encourage any woman thinking of a career in the rail industry to just go for it. There is a job for everyone.

‘Never Mind the Gap’ creates the awareness of the opportunities in the rail industry and it was a platform to get started – it gave me my confidence back!”

The post ‘Never Mind the Gap’, programme offering opportunities to LNER rail industry appeared first on Travel And Tour World.