A pioneering internship scheme is opening doors for young people with special educational needs and creating pathways into employment.
For many young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), finding a route into meaningful employment can be a challenge. Research suggests that only 4.8% of individuals with a learning disability or autism spectrum condition in England are in permanent paid employment, despite many possessing valuable skills, enthusiasm, and a strong desire to work.
Alstom is hoping to change that, having launched its first supported internship programme, ASPIRE, at its historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works. The programme provides students with real workplace experience, structured support, and the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence needed to secure long-term employment.
Delivered in partnership with Derby College Group, the programme combines hands-on work experience with classroom-based learning and dedicated support from a job coach. At the same time, Alstom’s Training Academy is providing bespoke teaching designed to complement the interns’ day-to-day experience on site.
The first interns to join the programme, Aaron Donaldson and Harry Hedges, are already playing a part in one of the UK’s most significant train refurbishment programmes.
Real experience
Aaron and Harry are working on Alstom’s CrossCountry Voyager refurbishment project at Derby, supporting both mechanical and electrical workstreams.
Valued at around £60 million, the programme is modernising CrossCountry’s fleet of Class 220 and Class 221 Voyager trains. Across 312 vehicles, passengers will benefit from new seating and tables, fresh interior finishes, improved lighting, new carpets, passenger counting technology, and a striking new exterior livery.
Owned by Beacon Rail and operating on routes stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance, the Voyager fleet serves communities across the length of Britain. Through ASPIRE, the interns are contributing to a project that will improve the experience of millions of passengers for years to come.
For Alstom, however, the programme is about far more than refurbishment work.
“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,” said Nina Atwal, head of social value, UK and Ireland, at Alstom.
“Working with Derby College Group has already shown how powerful collaboration can be, especially when it comes to creating meaningful opportunities for underrepresented groups.
“I’m excited to watch our first group of interns grow at Alstom – not just gaining valuable work experience, but also building life skills, confidence, and self-belief that will help them thrive and move into paid employment.”
Confidence and skills
The journey to the shop floor began long before the interns officially started work.
In summer 2025, Aaron and Harry visited Derby Litchurch Lane Works alongside their tutors from Derby College Group. During the visit they met future colleagues, learned more about Alstom’s operations, and explored Britain’s largest and oldest operating train factory.
Several familiarisation days followed, helping the students become comfortable in their new surroundings before beginning internships that will last for up to a year.
Aaron was selected by Derby College Group because of his engineering ability, extensive railway knowledge, and determination to build a career through employment. Harry’s enthusiasm for rail stretches back to childhood and includes volunteering with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.
The careful preparation reflects the programme’s emphasis on ensuring students feel supported and confident as they take their first steps into the workplace.
Amy Bacon, supported internship and work experience lead at Derby College Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Alstom on their supported internship programme.
“This collaboration is opening doors to truly life-changing opportunities for our interns, giving them a unique chance to gain real-world experience in a supportive and inclusive environment.
“Alstom has gone above and beyond to welcome our interns, working closely with them ahead of their placements to ensure a smooth and confident transition into the workplace. Its commitment to our interns and inclusion has made a real difference, and the interns are excited and eager to begin this next chapter.”
She added: “This partnership is a powerful example of how education and businesses can come together to empower young people with SEND, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to progress into meaningful employment.”
Creating opportunities
The rail industry continues to face skills shortages across a range of disciplines, making it more important than ever to attract talent from every part of society.
Supported internship programmes such as ASPIRE not only provide opportunities for young people who may otherwise struggle to access employment, but also help employers tap into an often-overlooked pool of talent.
CrossCountry has welcomed the initiative and the opportunity it provides for young people to gain practical experience on a major rail project.
Amanda Hopkins, management development advisor at CrossCountry, said: “We are delighted to be part of Alstom’s new supported internship programme, which will provide brilliant opportunities for Derby College Group students with special education needs and disabilities through real workplace experience.”
“Playing their part in the refurbishment of our Voyager fleet will be the perfect springboard for the students on their journey into the rail industry – we look forward to working with them now and hopefully into the future.”
Looking ahead
ASPIRE forms part of Alstom’s wider commitment to inclusion and workforce diversity. As a Disability Confident Leader employer, the company hopes to expand the programme beyond Derby and eventually introduce supported internships at other locations across its UK and Ireland network.
Later this year, Alstom plans to welcome a further four interns aged between 16 and 24 to Derby Litchurch Lane Works.
The site is uniquely placed to support programmes such as ASPIRE. As the UK’s only facility that designs, engineers, builds, and tests trains for both domestic and export markets, it is also home to Alstom’s Training Academy.
Opened in 2023, the academy features 1,600 square metres of practical learning space, including a full carriage and driving cab, allowing learners to gain hands-on experience before joining live manufacturing teams.
For Aaron and Harry, however, the most important lesson may not be found in a classroom or workshop.
By providing meaningful work experience, structured support, and the chance to contribute to a major rail project, ASPIRE is helping young people develop something equally valuable: the confidence to build a career in the railway industry.
Image credit: Steve Bright
