In 2024, Network Rail announced the launch of a £45.4 billion investment in the UK’s railway network. Designed to tackle climate challenges and modernise infrastructure, this major funding is expected to drive growth across the sector - opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities in rail.
From drainage engineers to frontline staff, there’s likely to be a significant increase in demand for skilled and entry-level professionals alike. But how can you take the first step into a rail career of your own?
Starting your career in rail
Rail careers span a wide range of roles. To find the right fit, start by identifying which area of the industry interests you most. Common sectors include engineering, maintenance, operations and professional services.
You can often enter these areas via an apprenticeship, graduate schemes, internships - or even through jobs that require little to no prior experience or certification.
These pathways can help you launch a rewarding railway career from day one.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships provide a hands-on-route into the railway industry without needing a formal qualification up front. You’ll learn on the job and qualify on completion. Most British Rail apprenticeships involve 30-40 hours of paid work per week, with one day typically spent studying with a training provider.
Internships
Internships can be a great way to explore the industry while gaining practical experience. For example, Network Rail offers summer and year-long industry placements for undergraduates. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience and enjoy employee benefits.
Internship opportunities often exist in:
- Engineering
- Finance
- Project management
- Network strategy
Graduate jobs
With a university degree, you may be eligible for one of many graduate schemes in rail. These are especially common in fields such as engineering, finance, accounting, HR, and IT. Completing a degree in engineering, particularly in areas like mechanical, civil or electric engineering can unlock many rail roles.
Entry-level jobs
Many roles in rail require no formal qualifications - just enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and strong interpersonal skills.
Customer service is one of the most accessible starting points. Whether it’s helping people at stations, answering queries by phone, or working onboard, these roles are essential for keeping services running smoothly.
There’s also room for progression. With time and experience, you could move into supervisory roles like a team leader or station manager.
Common entry points include:
- Train dispatch
- Maintenance staff
- Ticketing staff
These roles often provide full training, making them ideal for those new to the industry.
How to get started in entry-level positions
Begin by researching companies that are actively hiring for entry-level roles. Look for roles that match your skills and interests, and prepare for an application process that may involve:
- Online assessments
- Interviews
- Assessment centres
Your assessors will look for you to demonstrate the necessary skills and competencies. For example:
- Engineering candidates may need to complete a hands-on task, like building a structure with specific materials.
- Non-engineering candidates may need to solve problems in groups or present their recommendations on a case study.
Skills and certifications for a railway career
Some rail roles require only basic education, while others demand specialist qualifications or technical training. Here are a few key areas to be aware of:
Education and training requirements
Some jobs, such as certain train driver roles, may only require a school or college education like GCSEs and/or A Levels. Others, particularly in engineering or project management may require:
- Degrees (e.g. in Railway Engineering)
- Vocational qualifications (e.g. BTECs, NVQs)
Some technical roles may require special certifications. For example:
- APM certification (for project management)
- BIM training (for engineerings)
- Chartered status via an Engineering Council-licensed institute
- CSCS Manager cards (for construction roles)
- IRSE accreditation (for signalling engineers)
Personal Track Safety Card (PTS)
For physical or on-track roles, a Personal Track Safety (PTS) card may be required. This qualification confirms you can safely work on the railway.
You can apply for one of these when you have worked as a railway network employee for at least 12 months.
To get your card, you’ll need to complete and pass an approved PTS training course. The course will allow you to demonstrate your balance, coordination, and physical strength. You’ll also need to renew the card periodically through refresher courses.
Key skills employers look for
Beyond technical expertise, employers in rail often seek strong soft skills. These include:
Teamwork
Teamwork is integral to most jobs in rail. For example, track workers warn others about approaching trains, signal technicians coordinate with dispatchers and crew members complete safety checks and inspections together.
Teamwork is also critical in emergencies. These may include responding to mechanical failures and clearing obstructed tracks.
Safety awareness
Rail roles often involve working with:
- Powerful moving equipment
- Heavy machinery
- Hazardous materials
- High-voltage electrical systems
As such, a strong safety mindset is essential - both for your own wellbeing and the safety of colleagues and passengers.
Problem-solving
From delays to technical malfunctions, rail professionals face challenges that require quick thinking and decisive action. Whether you’re a train crew member rerouting services or a customer assistant resolving ticketing issues, strong problem-solving skills help keep the system running smoothly.
How to advance your railway career
Once you’ve started in rail, there are several ways to move up or specialise.
Progression pathways
Engineering
Advance into mechanical or electrical engineering roles. Where you may lay new tracks, develop technological systems, and modernise infrastructure.
Operations
Perhaps you’ll choose a role as a freight conductor, train dispatcher, level crossing manager, or signaller. Other options include working as part of an incident response team or a customer service team.
Maintenance
Inspect and maintain track infrastructure, support cleaning operations, or manage overhead lines systems and vegetation clearance.
Professional services
Move into project management, legal, marketing, HR or finance departments to support rail operations behind the scenes.
Professional development opportunities
Grow your expertise with support from organisations such as:
- Rail Safety and Standards Board offers remote and face-to-face courses. These cover topics like accident investigation, carbon literacy, and operational decision-making.
- Rail Professional Development provides courses on competence, rail consultancy, and more.
- Intertrain runs courses on topics like railway safety and signalling.
Finding jobs in rail
When looking for roles, these rail-specific job boards and recruitment agencies are good places to start:
These boards and agencies send out job alerts so you receive notifications as soon as new roles become available.
Set up job alerts so you never miss an opportunity. Also visit career pages on Avanti West Coast, National Rail, and the Office of Rail and Road for direct job listings.
Tips for a successful application
When applying for jobs in rail, make sure your CV clearly highlights any certifications and technical skills you hold. These may include track maintenance, signal systems, and rail operations software.
Use specific examples to show what you’ve achieved. Perhaps you managed safety protocols for a specific number of individuals. Maybe you improved on-time performance by a specific percentage.
If you’re newer to the industry, focus on transferable skills. Safety awareness, teamwork, and experience in highly regulated environments all count. These show you're ready to work in rail, even if your background is in another field.
Explain how you have developed these skills and how you would apply them in a rail setting.
In your cover letter, you could also demonstrate your knowledge of:
- The company in question
- Relevant regulations
- Key challenges in rail
Researching the company’s initiatives and wider industry challenges will be key to a successful interview too. Read up on major rail projects and safety regulations to develop your contextual understanding of the industry.
A thorough knowledge of these contexts can go a long way in showing that you’re ready to get on board.
Networking and industry resources
Networking is key for job seekers and career progression in rail.
Building connections in the rail sector
Several UK networking groups and rail industry events help professionals establish connections. These include:
- Rail Infrastructure Networking: Join the groups in London, Glasgow, Derby, and Harrogate. The popular exhibitions are worth visiting too.
- The Rolling Stock Networking Show: Visit this annual networking event to gain access to rail companies of all sizes.
- Railway Industry Association (RIA): Sign up to join location- or interest-based groups. These are ideal for discussing industry challenges and building relationships. RIA also hosts high-profile industry events, including the annual Innovation Conference.
- Women in Rail: Meet like-minded rail professionals at networking events and socials just for women in the industry. This group offers mentorship opportunities and promotes railway careers, too.
Membership in organisations like the RIA or Chartered Institution of Railway Operators can also enhance your credibility and connections.
Benefits of working in rail
A career in rail offers:
- Job security
- Competitive salaries
- Strong progression potential
- A chance to support sustainable transport
- High-quality training and development opportunities
- Travel perks (e.g. discounted or free rail travel)
Companies like Avanti West Coast also offer:
- Generous holiday
- Pension schemes
- Retail discounts
- Flexible working
Whether you're just starting out or looking to switch careers, the rail industry offers a dynamic and rewarding path — with opportunities to grow, make an impact, and be part of shaping the future of sustainable transport.