Alstom has launched its first supported internship programme aimed at helping young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) gain workplace experience and move into long-term employment.
The initiative, called ASPIRE, is based at the company’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works and is being delivered in partnership with Derby College.
The programme combines hands-on experience with classroom learning and tailored support, with interns working alongside colleagues from Alstom’s Training Academy on the refurbishment of CrossCountry’s Voyager fleet.
Research cited by Alstom shows that only 4.8% of people in England with a learning disability or autism spectrum condition are in permanent paid employment. The company said the scheme is designed to help address that gap by equipping participants with practical skills and workplace confidence.
The first interns on the programme, Aaron Donaldson and Harry Hedges, are supporting mechanical and electrical work on the £60 million Voyager refurbishment project, which includes upgrades to Class 220 and 221 trains operated by CrossCountry.
Nina Atwal, Head of Social Value UK and Ireland at Alstom, said the interns had already made a strong impression.
“We’ve been genuinely impressed by the interns’ knowledge of both historic and modern rolling stock. It’s clear they’re passionate about what they’re doing, and it’s a joy to have them on board,” she said.
She added that the programme aims not only to provide work experience, but also to help participants build confidence and life skills that support future employment.
The internship programme is being delivered with support from Derby College, which provides job coaching and classroom-based learning alongside the practical placement.
Amy Bacon, Supported Internship and Work Experience Lead at Derby College, said the partnership was creating “life-changing opportunities” for students with SEND.
CrossCountry, whose Voyager fleet is being refurbished as part of the project, also welcomed the initiative.
Amanda Hopkins, Management Development Advisor at CrossCountry, said the programme would provide a valuable route into the rail industry for young people interested in engineering and rail operations.
Alstom said it plans to expand the ASPIRE programme later this year, with a further four interns expected to join at the Derby site. The company also hopes to roll out the initiative across more of its UK and Ireland locations over time.
