News

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 […]

We are pleased to announce that Intertrain has joined Routes into Rail as a Bronze 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 funders […]

We are pleased to announce that Bridgeway Consulting has joined Routes into Rail as a supporter. 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 funders […]

We are pleased to announce that the Railway Industry Association (RIA) has renewed funding to support Routes into Rail. RIA has been a funder and a supporter of Routes into Rail since it was established in 2020. Routes into Rail was set up to be a collaborative venture for the benefit of the whole industry […]

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 […]

Daisy Chapman-Chamberlain is the Innovation Manager at East West Rail and self-described ‘Queen of the Railways’. She will be writing a regular guest blog for Routes into Rail about the interesting and innovative projects happening in rail. I want to acknowledge that the rail industry has historically been cautious about embracing innovation and change. This is because […]

Interested in becoming a train driver but not sure where to get started? Look no further! Driving trains is a great career choice. Train Drivers in the UK are in high demand and earn an average of £48,000 per year. To become a Train Driver, most people do a Level 3 Train Driver apprenticeship. This […]

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 […]

This week, 5-11 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 […]

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 […]