A career change at any age is daunting – we understand. However, it’s also exciting and offers many incredible opportunities. Especially, if you’re coming from a different trade or area of expertise. No matter the age or background, it’s never too late to follow your passion or change your career.
You’ll gain so much from changing your pathway and stepping out of your comfort zone. New challenges bring new opportunities and there’s nothing more rewarding than learning new skills whilst earning. The rail industry is ever-growing, diverse and it’s essential for helping the British economy. Reskilling to this industry is guaranteed to be a promising career move.
We know that leaping in a new direction can bring up all sorts of questions and that’s why, in this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know. From the main benefits of reskilling to the industries that lend transferable skills perfect for rail.
We’ll cover:
- What is Reskilling?
- The 5 Benefits of Reskilling for All Ages
- The Transferable Skills Useful for A Job In Rail
What is Reskilling?
As the industry becomes competitive and new developments are in place for the future. The need to reskill and continuously develop has never been needed more than now. Reskilling is the process of learning new skills so you can do a different job that’s not related to your previous employment. It provides a lateral learning experience.
But you’re not alone if you do decide to reskill, over half of all employees (54 percent) will need to reskill by 2022. This is to ensure that each industry can keep up with the demand of ever-changing technology and developments.
Reskilling can be done in any industry but for example, if you’re coming from an engineering background, you could re-skill to learn a more specialised area such as the mechanical and electrical systems on train engines and rolling stock.
The 5 Benefits of Reskilling for All Ages
The benefits of reskilling can be present at any age (yes, even if you’re 19 or 45+). Whether you’re wanting to change from your existing career or you’re unsure of what career you would like to pursue – there are many benefits of learning new skills that align perfectly with the rail industry.
From boosting your employability to helping you secure a career for life. The benefits of reskilling shouldn’t be overlooked – they’re positive and can align with any individual.
There Are Many Transferable Skills
If you’ve been in your career for a while or you’ve jumped between jobs – fear not, this can be a positive thing and it could help you with the next steps of reskilling. Unlike younger people with less experience, if you’re coming from an experienced background (relevant skills or not) you’ve already had years to hone and practice skills that any new employer would appreciate.
This is a huge benefit to a new role or learning opportunity. Your skills could set you apart from other potential workers – showing that you’re quick to learn, you can bring someone unique to a team and you’ve developed your skills over time. This can offer you a wider perspective on your career!
Exciting Career Prospects
There’s no shortage of opportunities in the rail industry – fact. Reskilling to learn the relevant skills for this industry can be a promising career choice. As the workload increases in rail and new developments are put in place, the need for more skilled workers is evident.
There are 4.7 million train journeys made each day in the UK and this continues to increase – rail passenger journeys are at their highest since the 1920s. Rail is growing at a rapid rate and there’s no evidence to show that it’ll be slowing down any time soon. Whether you land a career opportunity in the exciting HS2 development or you help with the Transpennine upgrade – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Job Security
When considering a new career or changing career pathways, job uncertainty can determine most career decisions. Is the job secure? If you re-skill will you be employable? When you land your job, will it be secure? The simple answer – yes.
A career in rail is promising, exciting and secure. If you’re looking to develop, work on new jobs and help support the travel industry – you needn’t look elsewhere. There are long term developments and improvements set to take place across the rail network for the next five to 10 years, with the demand for skills peaking around 2025. This solidifies the job security within this industry. You won’t need to worry and you can enjoy the journey!
Boosts Employability
Reskilling can massively benefit your employability. Employers are always on the lookout for individuals who have relevant qualifications and training under their belt. Not only will this put you one step ahead of those who don’t have the qualifications but you’ll also have a better choice of jobs and careers to choose from – flexibility and variety is always a bonus.
New technologies and the changing nature of our economy means that the required skills needed for many jobs are changing. As new developments are put in place, new workers with the correct skills are required. So whether you’re coming from an existing career or you’re taking the leap to launch your career, you can be guaranteed you’ll land yourself a job in the rail industry successfully.
It’s Never Too Late
There’s certainly never been a better time to act on your career than now. The more you wait around waiting for the things to happen, rather than acting upon the opportunities, the more time you’re wasting.
Having an income is great but feeling fulfilled and happy is just as important and a balance of them both is possible. If you’re looking for a new challenge, your existing job doesn’t serve you or you’re looking for an industry that has guaranteed job security. The rail industry (one of the UK’s largest industries) can offer many opportunities and benefits.
You’re not too late! You can act on this today and be one step closer to securing the ideal job for you – no matter the age, no matter your experience.
The Transferable Skills Useful for A Job In Rail
Your knowledge and skills never get overlooked in the industry. Reskilling is perfect for aligning with the needs of an employer or industry. But did you know that if you’ve already acquired certain transferable skills your employability will be higher?
Not only is this great for those who are coming from a different employment background but it’s also great to know that no skills or experience will ever go to waste.
Health and Safety
Every workplace requires trained health and safety professionals to ensure tasks are carried out safely and securely. The health and safety of workers and passengers on the rail network are paramount. It’s one of the main goals of the travel industry – to ensure people can travel safely and securely around the network day to day.
So if you’ve required these transferable skills from a previous employer or you’ve gained them through training – that’s great news. You’ll be sought after in the rail industry. These skills will play a key role in ensuring dangerous machinery and the practical nature of the industry is carrying out work safely and following the correct regulations.
Electrical Compliance
Have you worked with electricals? Do you have these key skills to operate machinery safely or help solve technical problems? Then you’ll be pleased to know that these skills are another key area in rail.
Trains are designed to be reliable and they need to run smoothly every day. If errors or delays occur, they should be resolved swiftly and smoothly. This transferable skill can be used across the rail network or applied during rail installation processes.
Communications
Are you a decision-maker? Have you played a key role in communicating in an organisation? Communications are the basis for successful delivery across the rail network. Signals need to be given and if something goes wrong on the network, communications play a key role in getting things up and running again.
This transferable skill can be used across the network. Whether you’re working on the railway tracks or at the regional bases, it’ll be essential and this key skill won’t go to waste.
Relevant Accreditations and Certificates
If you can provide expertise or a specific relevant accreditation in a specific area of need – you’ll be in a good position to secure yourself a job.
Whether you’re signed up to the Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR). Or if you hold a EUSR Card you’ll be able to transfer these accreditations over to a career in the rail. This is promising, exciting and also shows that no time or knowledge is ever wasted.
Learn More About Careers in Rail
We hope after reading this, you’re more away from the benefits within the rail industry and you’re confident that if you hold existing skills, they won’t go to waste. In fact, they’ll be used in your favour.
If you’ve got questions and you’re wanting to learn more about careers in rail or why a career in rail is promising, look no further! Download your FREE copy of our Ebook today and learn everything you need to know – Rail Futures: Creating Amazing Opportunities For All.
