Young people with learning disabilities to get first-hand work experience through Siemens Mobility’s internship scheme: Goole original

27 Mar 2024

Young people with learning disabilities to get first-hand work experience through Siemens Mobility’s internship scheme

  • 6 internship positions available in 2024 for individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 at the new Goole Rail Village.
  • Initiative comes as research shows only 4.8% of people with a learning disability or autism spectrum condition in England are in full-time paid employment, compared to 80% of their peers.
  • Siemens Mobility is investing up to £200m in the Rail Village in Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, which will build new trains for the UK.

Siemens Mobility has joined forces with Selby College, which is part of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group and national charity DFN Project SEARCH to launch a new supported internship scheme at our Goole Rail Village for young people with a learning disability and/or autism spectrum conditions. Applications for the September 2024 academic year intake are now open, with potential candidates being welcomed for an information evening on Tuesday 16 April in Goole.

The internship programme is aimed at young people aged 18-24 with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). It aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping individuals with learning disabilities with the necessary skills and confidence to thrive in the workforce. Working with a tutor and a job coach, individuals participating in this internship scheme will have the opportunity to receive specialised training and gain hands-on practical work experience across the entire Siemens Mobility Goole Rail Village.

Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility, said: “Our goal is to enable everyone to feel like they belong at Siemens Mobility and continue to provide opportunities for underrepresented individuals. Currently, across the industry, there are significant barriers to entry for young people with learning disabilities.

“By fostering a culture of inclusivity and partnering with a programme like DFN Project SEARCH, we’re actively working to change the existing norms and demonstrating how young people with learning disabilities can enrich the workforce and bring incredible skills.”

Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “We’ve worked with DFN Project SEARCH for many years and have witnessed the life-changing opportunities the programme has given our learners. That is why we’re delighted to be launching DFN Project SEARCH at Selby College alongside Siemens Mobility, one of the largest and most influential employers in the area. This will ensure that those with learning difficulties in our communities have a path of progression where they are able to raise their aspirations and feel confident in transitioning into full-time, paid employment.”

Claire Cookson, Chief Executive at DFN Project SEARCH, said:  

“We are thrilled to be part of this new partnership. We know from our partners that hosting supported interns transforms businesses and workplaces for the better, while the interns themselves bring a wealth of talent and commitment to their roles. This will be a life-changing opportunity for the first cohort of interns, who will be taking their first steps on the DFN Project SEARCH journey at the Siemens Mobility Goole facility.” 

Siemens Mobility has consistently demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent right here in Britain. The company is investing up to £200 million in a rail village in Goole, creating up to 700 skilled jobs, as well as a further 1,700 supply chain roles. This includes 11 apprentices, with 25 more being recruited for September 2024.

For more information about applying for the internship scheme please see here.

An in-person information evening will take place on

  • Tuesday 16 April at the Goole Rail Village

(register at https://www.selby.ac.uk/events/project-search-interest-event-with-siemens-mobility)

Downloads and media

Contact information

Katie Byrnes

Rolling Stock Business Partner

Siemens Mobility Limited

07808823433

Katie.Byrnes@siemens.com

Notes to editors

About Siemens