A unique rail training programme is helping long term unemployed and ex-offenders to make their way back into work.

Havering College is officially launching a five-week rail training academy at the college’s Quarles Campus in Tring Gardens, Harold Hill.

Committed students in the “boot-camp” style course are guaranteed a job interview with the prospect of employment as railway engineers.

Former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith and Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling will attend the launch on Tuesday.

Half a million of pounds worth of rail equipment donated by Transport For London (TFL) have been installed at the college and students are getting hands-on experience to learn about the rail industry.

The programme, which started in October last year, has helped long-term unemployed and ex-offenders with few or no qualifications to access full time employment with 122 of the 175 participants now in work.