Alstom has announced that it has launched its first supported internship programme – ASPIRE. The scheme is supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through real workplace experience with structured support at the company’s historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works.
Research reveals only 4.8% of individuals with a learning disability or autism spectrum condition in England are in permanent paid employment. Alstom’s 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 – which provides 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.
“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 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.”
She added: “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, which is funding the upgrade, the Voyagers operate across the CrossCountry network, from Aberdeen, Scotland, to Penzance, England.
“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,” said Amanda Hopkins, Management Development Advisor at CrossCountry.
“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 take part in Alstom’s ASPIRE programme. Aaron was selected by Derby College for his engineering abilities, knowledge of trains and his keen focus on securing his future with employment. Meanwhile, Harry has a keen appreciation in rail that has spanned his entire life, from an interest in model trains as a child to now volunteering at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.
In summer 2025 the interns were welcomed to the site for the first time alongside their Derby College tutors. During this visit they got to meet their new Alstom colleagues, learn more about the company and the site itself – Britain’s largest and oldest operating train factory. Since then Aaron and Harry undertook several ‘in touch’ days before commencing their supported internships in 2026, which will last for up to one year. Alstom plans to welcome an additional four ASPIRE interns – aged between 16 and 24 – at its Deby site later this year.
Image credit: CrossCountry
