Alstom supports SEND students into rail careers with new Derby internship programme
Transport systems manufacturer Alstom has launched its first supported internship programme that supports students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
As part of the initiative students can obtain real workplace experience with structured support at the company’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works.
According to the ‘Keep Britain Working: Final report’, only 4.8 per cent of individuals with a learning disability or autism spectrum condition in England are in permanent paid employment.
Alstom states that its ‘ASPIRE’ supported internship programme provides the opportunity to achieve sustained, paid employment by equipping individuals with the skills they need through hands-on learning in the workplace.
In collaboration with Derby College, who provide a job coach and classroom-based learning in parallel to the internship, the students are working alongside colleagues from Alstom’s Training Academy, with the latter delivering bespoke teaching that will enhance their work experience.
Specifically, the interns are working on Alstom’s CrossCountry Voyager refurbishment project which is seeing the operator’s Class 220 and Class 221 trains receiving an interior refresh, including new seats and tables, while their exteriors are being repainted in a new livery.
Nina Atwal, Head of Social Value UK and Ireland at Alstom, said: “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.
“Working with Derby College 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,”
“It’s also a pleasure to be working on our first supported internship programme with such passionate colleagues at Alstom who want to make a difference.”
Valued at around £60 million, the CrossCountry Voyager project encompasses 312 cars that are being fitted with new carpets, improved lighting and a new passenger counting system. The interns are supporting the mechanical and electrical works scopes of the refurbishment project.
Owned by Beacon Rail, who are funding the upgrade, the Voyagers operate across the CrossCountry network, from Aberdeen, Scotland, to Penzance, England.
Amanda Hopkins, Management Development Advisor at CrossCountry, commented: “We are delighted to be part of Alstom’s new supported internship programme, which will provide brilliant opportunities for Derby College 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,”
Students Aaron Donaldson and Harry Hedges are the first interns to participate in Alstom’s ASPIRE programme.
Aaron was selected by Derby College in recognition of his engineering skills, strong knowledge of trains, and clear focus on securing future employment. Harry, meanwhile, has had a lifelong passion for rail, from an early interest in model trains to his current volunteering role at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.
In summer 2025, the interns were welcomed to Alstom’s Derby site for the first time, alongside their Derby College tutors. During the visit, they met their new Alstom colleagues and learned more about the company and the site, which is Britain’s largest and oldest operating train factory.
Since then, Aaron and Harry have taken part in several “in-touch” days ahead of starting their supported internships in 2026. The placements will run for up to one year. Alstom also plans to welcome a further four ASPIRE interns, aged between 16 and 24, to its Derby site later this year.
Amy Bacon, Supported Internship and Work Experience Lead at Derby College, added: “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 have 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. Their commitment to our interns and inclusion has made a real difference, and the interns are excited and eager to begin this next chapter.”
“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.”
Alstom is a Disability Confident Leader employer, and the ASPIRE programme further endorses the company’s commitment to attract and create a diverse workforce with tailored support to succeed. It is hoped scheme will be rolled out to several others among Alstom’s 37 UK and Ireland sites over time.
Derby Litchurch Lane Works is the only UK facility that designs, engineers, builds and tests trains for domestic and export markets. It is also a major hub for train modernisation and signalling, and home to Alstom’s Training Academy. Opened in 2023, the Training Academy offers practical learning space, including a carriage and a cab, where apprentices can gain practical experience working on a train before joining a live manufacturing team.
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