FirstGroup creates new career development network

FirstGroup Plc is launching a new advocate network. The company whose rail subsidiaries include Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Hull Trains, Lumo and South Western Railway is seeking to bring together women and ethnically diverse colleagues who have benefitted from its personal development programmes.

Known as ‘First connections’, First Group says that its new network is part of its commitment to create a more diverse and inclusive business, and to attract, develop and retain talent. Its scope is said to offer training, leadership, and development programmes aimed at under-represented groups.

The company is pinning hopes on the network evolving into a forum where advocates host regular webinars, share experiences and knowledge, as well as promote opportunities, such as job shadowing or mentoring.

FirstGroup which employs 30,000 people across its 15 different bus and rail brands says that over 500 bigger people have taken part and completed one of its personal development programmes, since they launched in 2018. On average, 40% of participants go on to ‘roles’ within the business after completing a programme.