Author name: Sophie Reid

Big investment in new projects – like HS2, the TransPennine Route Upgrade, Northern Powerhouse Rail and East West Rail – the transition to net zero, technological advances and an ageing population leading to high retirement levels means rail needs thousands more professionals in the coming years. NSAR’s Rail Workforce Survey 2023 shows that the industry […]

We are pleased to announce that Colas Rail has joined Routes into Rail as a Silver funder. Routes into Rail was set up to be a collaborative venture for the benefit of the whole industry and becomes a more effective resource as more rail organisations feed into the work it does. We work hand-in-hand with

2025 marks 200 years since the first train journey. In 1825 George Stephenson’s Locomotion No.1 hauled the world’s first passenger train along the Stockton and Darlington railway. People had never travelled so fast or in such numbers and the public came from all over the country to witness this first journey marking the beginning of

One of the best ways to enter the rail sector is through an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn while you learn and gain a recognised qualification on completion. Whether you want to work in IT, engineering, business, train driving, human resources or sustainability – there’s a route into rail for you with apprenticeships.

Rail needs tens of thousands more professionals over the coming years to keep the country running. This demand presents a great opportunity for anyone considering their first steps into a career – or looking for a career change. An apprenticeship is a great way to start a career in rail. Whether you did well in

In August 2023, Routes into Rail and Springpod created a virtual work experience programme that helps students learn about the different careers available in rail. The 10-hour programme gives students a deeper insight into working in the industry and focuses on the most in-demand roles in rail. It consists of information, fun activities and quizzes

Last month, Routes into Rail, Network Rail and VolkerRail attended the Women in Engineering and Technology event to speak to young women interested in a STEM career. The in-person event was hosted by London South Bank University and streamed online. There were speeches from: Nilda Sanchez, a Senior Engineer at Network Rail Cecelia Hansen-Saunders, Commercial Director for VolkerRail Alice Williams-Allden,