Train Planning Placement

targetjobs UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Staff Travel

Childcare Vouchers

Extra Holidays

Discount Scheme

Long Service Awards

Employee Assistance Programme

The Transport Benevolent Fund

In-House Occupational Health Dept.

Cycle to Work Scheme

Job summary

Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) offers an Undergraduate Placement Scheme in London’s Train Planning Unit. The role provides structured training, broad experience across timetable planning, data maintenance and stakeholder collaboration, with a focus on developing railway careers.

Based at London King's Cross, the program runs July 2027 to September 2028, with an overlap to ensure smooth handover. Salary is £30,767 plus benefits, and a comprehensive recruitment process supports candidate

Qualifications

• Registered university undergraduate student with a year in industry, ideally in transport, geography or logistics.
• Understanding of railway industry and its operation.
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office, with ability to learn additional tools.

Responsibilities

• Produce documents detailing short-term timetable variations for operations and customer service.
• Record KPI data and generate related reports.
• Organise and administer special events planning groups.
• Maintain and develop timetable data for Passenger Information System.
• Collaborate with other parts of the organisation and industry to improve train service performance.
• Undertake train planning activities to support teams.

Skills

MS Office

Analytical thinking

Communication

Organisational skills

Fast learner

Education

Undergraduate with year-in-industry

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location:

Kings Cross Offices, Kings Cross, East Side Offices

Contract Type

Fixed Term Contract

Description

Get your career on track with a team where you can grow, belong, and make an impact from day one.

Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) is the UK's largest rail operator, connecting millions of people across the country through Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express services.

With 239 managed stations and a network that supports commuters, businesses, and communities every day, we are driven by our purpose to deliver safe, reliable, and customer-focused journeys while making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

At the heart of our work is Creating Great Journeys, a vision that reflects our commitment to improving experiences for passengers, supporting local communities, and investing in the future of rail. We actively engage with and support the diverse communities across our network, while also developing future talent to ensure a sustainable and thriving railway for years to come.

Career Development

Our people are central to everything we do, and we are committed to creating an environment where colleagues can grow, contribute, and feel proud of the work they do.

At GTR, your career isn't just another job; it is a journey where the destinations are endless. We are committed to career development and progression, offering clear pathways to help you steer your future.

Because the railway connects vibrant and diverse towns and cities, we believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve. We actively invest in future talent from all backgrounds to bring a fresh perspective to our industry.

Whether you are taking the next step in the industry or just starting out, we'll welcome you onboard with us when you are ready to grow and build your career right here.

GTR's Undergraduate Placement Scheme takes place within the heart of the busy Train Planning Unit working with a team of around 70 planners. 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.

Role

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, 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 2027 until September 2028. 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 £30,767 plus other benefits including paid annual leave and a combination of free and discounted (depending on location) rail travel.

Recruitment Process And Timelines

We aim to provide a fair, transparent, and engaging recruitment experience. This is what you can expect from our process.

• Application window: Submit your application before the advertised closing date
• Screening and shortlisting: Applications are reviewed following the closing date. This stage may include online assessments or testing, depending on the role
• Assessment: Depending on the role, you may undertake an assessment
• Interview process: A two-stage interview process using competency-based questions to assess your skills, experience, and alignment with our values
• Offer: Once successful, you will be given a verbal conditional offer based on a clear DBS check and medical. We will also ask you to provide your Right to Work document(s) at this stage
• Contract: Your contract and formal offer letter will be issued once a start date has been agreed
• Induction: Your first week of employment will be at our East Croydon location where you'll undertake your induction and receive your IT equipment before you meet your team and get started in your new role.

We will keep candidates informed throughout the process and aim to complete hiring decisions in a timely manner.

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