TAPPING UP
Our Untapped Talent programme is supporting frontline colleagues progress into more senior roles
Supporting colleagues’ progress into leadership roles isn’t just fair; it’s smart. They bring hands-on experience, problem-solving skills and fresh ideas.
This year, we launched the Untapped Talent programme, designed to give frontline colleagues a clearer path into management.
The idea came when Darnell Casimir, a customer host at Dalston Junction, was paired with HR director Oli Gant in our reverse mentoring programme last year. That scheme aims to give our leadership team deeper insight into the diverse talents and experiences of frontline colleagues.
Darnell Casimir
Darnell Casimir
Darnell expressed concern that the business needs to do more to support frontline colleagues in making progress.
“I felt that there was a catch-22 where colleagues needed experience to apply for certain roles but the opportunities to get this experience were slim,” says Darnell.
Oli went away with this feedback and responded with the Untapped Talent programme. Darnell is one of five frontline colleagues making up the first cohort.
Candidates applied, highlighting their ambitions to progress as well as any efforts to show continuous learning in their current roles.
The six-month programme, which began in September, gives colleagues a mix of hands-on experience and in-class modules on leadership qualities like effective communication and delegation.
“There’s so much value in what we’re learning, which I wouldn’t be getting otherwise,” explains Darnell. “I’ve learned that when delegating, I need to make sure everyone is clear on the whole picture and the end result, and I need to know why it’s important to praise colleagues and fail as a team when things go wrong.”
The programme includes a one-week placement with a manager in a chosen department.
Mihaela Mirica, traincare level 2 based at Stratford station, will be learning directly from a manager in the traincare team as part of her placement.
Mihaela Mirica
Mihaela Mirica
“It really is a golden opportunity for me,” explains Mihaela. “I want to progress and know this will help me reach the next level. I've been learning about effective communication and emotional intelligence, and I'm already applying these skills in my daily life. As part of the programme, I've had to present on what I’ve learned, which has been a challenge for me as I haven’t always been comfortable with public speaking. But I can already see a significant boost in my confidence.”
The first programme ends in March 2025, and any lessons learnt will be carried on to future cohorts.
“There are only positives from programmes like this and I can’t wait to see what this will mean for my career,” says Mihaela. “In the employee engagement survey last year, I mentioned that there weren’t many opportunities for colleagues like me to progress, so it’s great that the company has obviously listened and
created this.”
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