Our youth group, the Sygnets provides a safe and enjoyable place for over-13s to make friends and have fun whilst at the same time gaining valuable experience of working on and around the railway which provides a great base for anybody considering a career in the railway industry.

Starting at age 13, our Sygnets meet once a month and take part in organised activities on and around the railway in a variety of roles and departments. Managed by an experienced and dedicated team of leaders and helpers our Sygnets are the future of the railway, both here at Swanage and out on the “big railway”.

Once a member of the Sygnets reaches the age of 16, they are eligible to choose a department or role sign up as a volunteer on the Swanage Railway which allows them to take their experiences with the group and apply them fully to a role. They can spend the next two years training and honing their skills, ready to qualify upon reaching the age of 18.

Please note that the Sygnets group is very popular with budding train enthusiasts so there is generally a waiting list to join and new starters are taken from the waiting list on a first come first served basis. If you have experience working with young people and would like to volunteer as a helper or leader (subject to appropriate checks) when the Sygnets meet, please let us know.