South Eastern Railway has marked a major step in its ambition to build a modern, inclusive and highly skilled workforce, as Rail Minister Lord Hendy joined colleagues to celebrate the opening of its new careers and skills hub in Ashford on Friday (11th July).
The centre – known as Connect 38 - is situated a short walk from Ashford International railway station and brings together recruitment, digital learning and professional development under one roof, creating a dynamic environment for new starters and existing colleagues to grow their careers on the railway.
Demand to join South Eastern Railway is growing exceptionally quickly, with more than 30,000 job applications in the last year alone, compared to just over 14,000 the year before. Connect 38 represents a significant investment in the company’s people, helping to more than double the capacity for recruitment and training and providing the next generation of talent.
The formal opening comes on the same day Southeastern is ranked 24th in the prestigious ‘Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers’ for 2025 – a remarkable rise of 34 places compared to 2024 and the highest placed transport or rail company.
From train drivers and engineers to customer service and digital specialists, the centre will support hundreds of apprentices, offer targeted pathways for school leavers, veterans, and career-changers, and deliver on the Government’s skills agenda.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:
“Under public ownership, South Eastern Railway is making real changes that not only improve the lives of passengers but staff and local communities too. This is exactly what we want to see operators doing, offering skills and training to ensure their workforce is open to everyone, from school-leavers to career-changers to veterans.
“Through this investment, we will see more and more skilled, rewarding careers in the rail industry open up as Connect 38 breaks down barriers to opportunity, drives economic growth and supports the Government’s Plan for Change.”
Steve White, Managing Director, South Eastern Railway, said:
“The railway does more than connect people and places. It unlocks opportunity, supports housing, enables social mobility and helps communities thrive. What we do matters!
“In the last year alone, we have seen a huge increase in interest from people wanting to build a career with us with over 30,000 applicants. We are also committed to developing our own people.
"This new facility, located at the heart of our network, demonstrates that our new integrated railway will invest in our people , as well as our infrastructure.
“Whether someone is joining us for the first time, retraining, or progressing in their career, this centre will give them the skills and support they need to succeed and to support our customers.”
Neil Robertson, Chief Executive, The National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR), added:
“Southeastern were one of the first operators to embrace apprenticeships and have always taken training very seriously. This is an exciting new opportunity. Knowing them as we do, we expect to see strong social value created alongside the development of new skills.
“With a wide range of jobs available across the rail industry, initiatives like this help to strengthen routes into rail and ensure the sector attracts the talent it needs for the future.”
South Eastern Railway brings together the publicly owned train operator Southeastern and infrastructure provider, Network Rail Kent Route, under a single leadership team.
More than just a careers and skills hub, Connect 38 is also a tribute to the people who have shaped the railway’s past and present. Rooms at the facility have been named after former colleagues and historic figures who made a lasting impact on the railway, including pioneers like Barbara Ann Denny, the network’s first female train driver, and Asquith Xavier, who fought for racial equality in British transport.
Connect 38 also directly supports the Government’s skills agenda and offers career guidance, training facilities, digital learning, and apprenticeships across a wide range of roles – including train drivers, engineers, and customer service teams as well as dedicated digital media room to allow colleagues to record professional quality videos for a range of purposes.
South Eastern Railway is proud to support over 500 apprentices across the business, and has previously been awarded Gold Accreditation by Investors in People for the approach to People, Wellbeing, and Apprenticeships.
