As students across the country celebrate their GCSE and A Level results, Southeastern is proud to highlight the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available within the rail industry.
The Innes family, a Kent-based family with a shared passion for the railway, are a real-life example of the exciting paths that await new recruits.
Expanding Opportunities at Southeastern
Southeastern is set to appoint 170 trainee drivers, more than 100 station staff, and numerous roles in Railway Enforcement and Protection, Onboard Management, Train Conductors, and Engineering. Additionally, there are positions in management and other specialist careers. Committed to removing barriers to opportunity, Southeastern aims to improve social mobility and increase hires from under-represented groups by 10% year on year, breaking outdated perceptions of the rail industry.
Spotlight on the Innes Family
This results day, Southeastern shines a spotlight on the Innes family.
Following in the footsteps of husband and father Chris Innes, family members Marie Innes, Amy Innes (daughter), Jack Innes (son), and Lucy Innes (daughter) all joined Southeastern, working together on the network spanning London, Kent, and East Sussex.
Chris Innes was the first to join Southeastern as a Train Driver and Manager in Ramsgate. He was closely followed by Jack, who works as a Service Engineer at the Slade Green depot. Amy joined soon after, finding a job as a Customer Services Apprentice and is now Operations Procurement Manager. Mum, Marie, works as a Revenue Protection Team Leader. The most recent recruit, Lucy, works as a Purchasing Office at Slade Green.
Due to their uncommon surname, colleagues often spot the family members in their different areas of the business. Across their jobs, the family support the train operator in running more than 1,700 services per day, carrying more than 500,000 passengers a day, serving 181 stations, and covering 540 miles of track.
Family Insights
Amy, who has had several roles at Southeastern – from customer service to commercial and procurement, credits her dad for introducing their family to the industry:
“The attraction of working for Southeastern was something that was realised after my dad told us about the opportunities on the railway. I think the fact that we all do such different jobs, and our work is so varied, shows that there is something for everyone. I started straight after my GCSEs as a Customer Service apprentice at 16 and by 22 with support and training I was a manager working in a job I loved. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, and I know my family feels the same too.”
Each family member’s job helps give a new perspective on the railway, said Jack:
“Because of what my dad tells me, I can put myself in the mind of a driver when I’m fault finding.” Chris agrees: “I talk to Jack about technical aspects of the trains I drive and to my wife about how revenue affects the business.”
Marie enjoys the connection they have through the industry: “We all know people across the business. At work, it’s like having 15 brothers and sisters!” Lucy says: “It felt like it was inevitable to happen, I saw how much my family loved working here. it’s been really nice to be able finally join in and give my own perspective on discussions we have about work!"
Southeastern's People Director, Steve Foster, said:
"Receiving your GCSE and A Level results is a significant milestone, and it opens up a world of possibilities. At Southeastern, we believe that working here brings responsibility, pride, and achievement. We are looking to recruit great people who represent the diverse communities we serve.
“There are many talented young individuals out there who could have a rewarding and enjoyable career with us, working in a wide range of roles across our network. I encourage all those receiving their results today to consider a career in rail. You can join today with full training provided or you can you join after college or university, perhaps on our graduate scheme or in a particular profession such as finance, engineering, IT and Digital or project management”.
