News

Explore your future in rail! In collaboration with key rail industry partners, we are offering an exclusive work experience programme aimed at 16 year-olds. Date: 28 July – 1 August 2025 (the programme will take place during Summer Holidays) Time: 09:30 – 15:30 Location: Birmingham (multiple locations) Gain hands-on insights into real projects and discover […]

Employment in the rail industry encompasses thousands of roles all working together to provide the most efficient and reliable transport service for the UK. Careers in rail are more in-demand than ever, with the workforce in potential need of 120,000 additional workers by 2030 to support ongoing infrastructure and sustainability projects. But why join the […]

Are you a woman interested in exploring a rewarding career in the rail industry? Look no further! This two-week initiative, run by Network Rail and TransPennine Express, offers an incredible opportunity for participants to receive free training and work placements in the North West area. Date: 16-27 June 2025 Time: 10:00-14:00 each day Location: Manchester For: Women aged […]

Ever wondered how trains travel across vast distances? Or how impressive railway stations are designed and built? That’s where Civil Engineers come in! If you’re a keen problem-solver, then a career as a Civil Engineer could be for you. Civil Engineers are in high demand in the UK rail industry, with thousands needed in the […]

Continued to develop the website as a valuable resource for varied audiences In 2024, we continued to update the website to ensure it is a valuable resource for people of all ages and from many backgrounds. New resources were added for parents and teachers, as well as content on various entry pathways into the industry, […]

This week, 10-16 February, is National Apprenticeship Week. Routes into Rail is getting involved by helping people learn more about apprenticeships. The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Skills for Life’. Apprenticeships are a great way for people of all ages to develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers. With […]

Are you thinking about your next steps after finishing school? Looking for a new role? Wanting to take your career to the next level? Consider a degree apprenticeship! Like any apprenticeship, degree apprenticeships combine work and study. The difference is that you will finish your apprenticeship with a degree. You’ll be employed by a company […]

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. […]

Customer Service roles are vital to the smooth and successful operation of the UK rail industry. They are the human face of the railways, ensuring passengers have positive and safe experiences. And Customer Service is one of the most in-demand rail careers, with 2,900+ needed between now and 2029. Common Customer Service roles in rail: […]

Architects are the creative minds behind the buildings and spaces we experience every day. They combine artistic vision with technical knowledge to design structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe, sustainable and meet the needs of the people who use them. If you are passionate about art, drawing and design, a career […]

Daisy Chapman-Chamberlain works for Transport for the North and is the self-described ‘Queen of the Railways’. She writes a regular guest blog for Routes into Rail about the interesting and innovative projects happening in rail. Improving gender accessibility is a key area of my current work and a national priority in rail. When we think […]

As technology evolves, the railways are changing too. Digital signalling replaces traditional ‘traffic light’ signals along the tracks with continuous, digital communication between trains and control centres. Digital signals provide real-time information to train drivers within their cabs, displaying data such as speed limits, track conditions and train positioning. Why is digital signalling important? Increased […]