The number of people applying for jobs at South Eastern Railway has more than doubled in a year, with more than 30,000 job applications received, compared with 14,000 the previous year.

The publicly owned operator has a total staff of 4,500. In its new ‘streamlined structure’ under joint management with Network Rail’s Kent route, the total track-and-train staff is around 6,000.

On July 11, Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy opened the company’s new training centre – a short walk from Ashford International station. It doubles capacity for training and brings together recruitment and professional development, including digital learning.

South Eastern Railway Managing Director Steve White said: “The railway does more than connect people and places. It unlocks opportunity, supports housing, enables social mobility, and helps communities thrive.

“Whether someone is joining us for the first time, retraining or progressing in their career, this centre will give them the skills and support they need.”

The operator has supported more than 500 apprentices. It is the highest-placed rail company in this year’s Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, rising 34 places to 24th compared with 2024.

One of the rooms in the new training centre is named after Barbara Ann Denny, who in 1978 became the first female driver on what is now the South Eastern network. Another is named after Asquith Xavier, a black conductor and campaigner for racial equality in transport.

Hendy said: “This is exactly what we want to see operators doing – offering skills and training to ensure their workforce is open to everyone, from school leavers to career changers to veterans.”