Train Planning Placements (3223)
- Salary:£29,870
- Location:Kings Cross, East Side Offices
- Closing Date:14 November 2025
- Training Salary:£29,870
GTR's Undergraduate Placement Scheme takes place within the heart of the busy Train Planning Unit working with a team of around 70 planners.
This role is ideal for university students seeking an industrial placement as part of their degree program.
Many of these were previous placements who have returned to GTR after graduation to continue their professional development and this is something that we encourage.
The contract for the position will last from July 2026 until September 2027.
We will give the successful candidates training and support to quickly become functioning and productive members of the team as they embark on their railway careers. The role is structured to deliver a wide-ranging set of work experiences, a varied workload and a broad introduction to the rail industry. For example:
- Producing documents for operational and customer service colleagues that detail short-term variations to the advertised timetable as necessitated by engineering work or special events. These contain essential information required by drivers, station staff and 24-hour controllers.
- Recording the department's Key Performance Indicators and producing related reports.
- Organising and administrating the special events planning groups.
- Maintaining and developing timetable data to inform the Passenger Information System on board our various train fleets.
- Collaborate with other parts of the organisation and industry to improve train service performance.
- Undertaking train planning activities to support the teams.
Applicants will need:
- To be a registered university undergraduate student on a degree that includes a year in industry and ideally on a transport, geography or logistics related programme.
- An understanding of the railway industry, its framework and operation.
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office, with an ability to learn additional specialist techniques and packages as required.
- An ability to learn quickly, self-organise and manage tasks efficiently.
- Analytical skills, initiative and an ability to communicate effectively.
- An accurate, clear, methodical and responsible approach to work.
The contract for the position will last from July 2026 until September 2027.
A two-month overlap will occur with the present incumbents to facilitate workplace familiarisation, a smooth handover and to ease the new post holders into their role.
The GTR Train Planning Unit is located at London King's Cross Station.
The successful applicant will receive an annual salary of £29,870 plus other benefits including paid annual leave and a combination of free and discounted (depending on location) rail travel.
Applications, including a CV and covering letter detailing the candidate's interest in and suitability for the role, should be received by 14th November 2025.
Interviews will take place in December 2025.
Benefits

Pension

Staff Travel

Childcare Vouchers

Extra Holidays

Discount Scheme

Long Service Awards

Employee Assistance Programme

The Transport Benevolent Fund

In-House Occupational Health Department

Cycle to Work Scheme
Testimonials
What our staff say
“I work as part of the Fleet Infrastructure team, which means ensuring our 18 Engineering locations operate safely and efficiently. We oversee all building and track maintenance works as well as various minor and major projects across the network.”
Hannah Richards
Fleet Infrastructure Administrator
“I started in a small ticket office back in 1996 and have continued to work my way up ever since. A previous manager told me about a job he’d seen advertised for a trainer. ’d never considered a job in HR or mentoring before then, but he said I’d be perfect for it and I haven’t looked back since!”
Zoey Hudson
Head of Talent, Diversity and Inclusion
“Since April, I’ve helped to support our Kickstart Scheme. It’s been a really rewarding process to be part of because I know first-hand how tough it can be to find work once you’re out of it.”
Jack Gow
Mobile Station Manager
“I love the freedom that comes with being a train driver. Obviously, there are rules and regulations to follow as well as duties and commitments to carry out, but in a way, you’re sort of your own boss, which is nice.”
Ashley John
Train Driver
“I’m a Thameslink passenger host and team leader based at Luton station and I’m currently doing a Level 3 Supervisor apprenticeship so that I can improve my skills even further. I was hesitant to do the apprenticeship at first because of my age – I left school over 60 years ago without any qualifications! It’s been hard to get back into the routine of learning again.”
Bob Bryce
Passenger Host Team Leader
“It was my brother’s suggestion to join the railway. He was already working in the industry and knew I had some university bills to pay off so told me to give it a go, get out of debt and see what I wanted to do next. After a while, it just felt like actually – this is exactly where I’m meant to be. I’m part of a great team and the on-board department as a whole are brilliant to work with. I feel at home here.”
Tonderai Matizha-Johnson
Area Operations Manager
“When I saw that GTR was advertising places for its apprenticeship scheme I looked into it straight away because I thought it was a great opportunity to learn whilst getting real life experience in a 9-5 job. I applied for a level three business administration apprenticeship and was thrilled to find out I had a place on the course! I was so excited that I didn’t even mind it was based 250 miles away from where I lived.”
Harriet Dee
Team Administrator
“Working for GTR is very rewarding and fulfilling. You really feel like you're making a difference to customers, no matter what role you're in as at the end of the day they're the heart of our business. I’ve had lots of opportunities to explore other aspects of the business including supporting our station staff and gaining my Train Dispatch Licence which has been enriching for my experience here.”
Maggie Luckhurst
Platform / Train Dispatch
“If you’ve always had an interest in rail, or maybe you’re just curious to find out what working in the railway might look like, GTR is the operator to go for. Not many companies do an official work experience program and this unique opportunity will give you a good grounding with varied activities to help you find the best place in the railway for you. It certainly did it for me.”
Nathaniel Owen
Station Manager