Najla Almutairi
Najla Almutairi, 27, completed the Get into Railways programme with Govia Thameslink Railway and is now a Station Assistant on the platform at London Victoria.
“I moved to the UK at the age of 16 with my mother who at the time was offered a scholarship to study a PhD. I completed my secondary school education and college, and after that I studied for my degree in architecture.
“During my studies, my mother developed a spine condition and I became her carer. It was a life-changing and heart-breaking moment to see the strongest person in my life becoming weaker day by day. I kept going and managed to complete my studies, as well as holding down a weekend job and looking after my younger siblings.
"After graduating I spent a year and a half working part-time doing all sorts of local jobs.
I often thought about the future and what I wanted to become, and I must admit I had a fear of working for a large organisation.
"I was also worried about who would look after my mother and I would often postpone my plans, telling myself ‘when things get better, I will start my career’. Then eventually I came to terms with the situation and realised nothing will change unless I do."
“I really wanted to start a sustainable job - a career to be in a better position to support myself and my family. I didn’t know where to start and didn’t even have a CV. I got in touch with The Prince’s Trust and they offered me different options from setting up my own business, to studying or training for a job. I then started the Get into Railways programme."
“I entered the February 2018 intake, spending two weeks in a classroom and two weeks on a placement at a station. Following on from this, I was offered the role as a Station Assistant (platform) which commenced in May 2018.
My mentor really supported me through my transition period and through difficult times.
“I enjoy every day working on the railway. I love being part of our team and assisting passengers. My ambition is to progress into a management role and develop further leadership skills to inspire and support more young people."

Futures at Stake 2020
Our Prince’s Trust report with Govia Thameslink Railway warns of looming skills crisis as employers struggle to recruit the right skills.