Partnered with UCAS
In January 2023, Routes into Rail began a partnership with UCAS to reach engaged students considering university and apprenticeship options. The UCAS platform is the most visited and trusted portal for students in the UK.
The partnership includes:
- An employer profile on the UCAS website.
- Social media and email campaigns to the UCAS audience via their channels.
- Physical and virtual presence at UCAS events attended by thousands of students.
Throughout our partnership we have achieved
- 19,000 emails delivered
- 550,000+ impressions on UCAS website ads
- 312,000+ impressions on social media ads
Refreshed the website to improve user experience and engagement
The Routes into Rail website is the hub for advice and information on entry pathways into the sector for young people and those returning to work or changing careers.
In March, a refreshed website went live. Changes – including a new look, more relevant content and improved navigation – ensure the website acts as a fantastic resource for people investigating rail careers. The updated website is based on feedback from employers across the industry and research on what information and resources young people need when considering a future career.
700 average monthly visits.
Created a virtual work experience programme
Springpod creates and provides a platform for interactive, experiential learning programmes that help young people learn about the world of work and university before they apply.
Routes into Rail facilitated a group of employers in rail to help create a 10-hour virtual work experience programme that helps students learn more about the different careers available in rail and gain a deeper insight into working in the industry. Many of the roles highlighted in the programme are the most in-demand roles needed in rail now and in the future.
Programme achievements so far:
- 553 participants enrolled
- 62% rated their awareness of the industry as ‘excellent’ on completing the program (up from 5%)
- 70% would consider a career in rail after completing the programme (up from 46%).
Created at set of videos to promote and demystify rail careers
The Routes into Rail team worked with video production company Cognitive to produce a series of short animated videos with information about the rail industry and rail careers. These videos are aimed at students, graduates, teachers, parents and people interested in apprenticeships.
The videos are placed throughout the Routes into Rail website to reinforce information about rail careers and are used across social media and Routes into Rail campaigns. They are also useful for teachers and careers advisors to share with students who want to learn about rail, apprenticeship and graduate opportunities.
Connected with thousands at events
Routes into Rail and funding organisations connected with hundreds of students aged 10-14 at the Big Bang Fair in June, a national event dedicated to inspiring young minds to pursue STEM.
We also attended the UCAS Discovery events in London and Birmingham, attended by thousands of students, and partnered with Network Rail and VolkerRail to host speakers and a panel discussion at a Women in Engineering and Technology event, speaking to young women interested in a STEM career. More than 1,000 young people attended the event, in person and online.
Engaged with audiences through social media and regular email campaigns
Consistent member communications have been a focus in 2023 to build awareness of Routes into Rail and promote rail careers. Monthly newsletters have gone out to the database, supported by ‘spotlight’ emails from our funders that introduce recipients to the organisation and what it is like to work there.
We continue to engage via our LinkedIn and Instagram accounts, growing this community and increasing our engagement and activities.
Our social media achievements:
- 600+ email subscribers
- 30% email click rate (5% considered a good click rate)
- 164% increase in social media followers
