We know that finding a new career pathway can be a daunting prospect but when there’s so much positivity to come from it, it’s a no brainer. You never know, you might already have some key skills that will lend themselves to the rail industry.
But without trying, you’ll never know. We’re here to open that gateway and show you the opportunities available – you’ll be spoilt for choice. In this post, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about taking the next step.
We’ll reassure you about the opportunities available and show you that there are skilled careers available in the rail industry. We’ll run through the transferable skills you might already have that will help with careers in rail too. Of course, we’ll also mention how we can signpost you in the right direction.
We’ll cover
- Skilled Careers for All
- The Transferrable Skills Perfect For The Rail Industry
- Rail Opportunities Available
Skilled Careers for All
Before taking the exciting leap to change careers or start your career, it’s important to weigh up all of your options and see what aligns with your goals for the future. We can guarantee that if you’re transitioning and reskilling for a career in rail, it can offer financial stability, growth opportunities and a flexible working environment.
With the proposed plans looming in the future for the rail industry, there’s going to be opportunities everywhere. As the plans develop and the industry grows, the opportunities to grow and learn new skills will be guaranteed. Choosing a career in the rail industry is an incredible opportunity – especially if you’re looking for something exciting and challenging. It’s the perfect balance of both.
There’s an exciting HS2 development in fruition, there’s help needed with the new Transpennine upgrade and London, the hub of transport is projected to grow by two million people by 2031. It doesn’t just stop there.
The government is also in the midst of investing £70billion to help improve Britain’s rail networks. It’s the BIGGEST investment since the Victorian era. Want to help create an enduring legacy for the rail industry? Join the industry and you’ll have unbelievable amounts of opportunity and skills – empowering the next generation of transport workers.
The Transferrable Skills Perfect For The Rail Industry
Your previous skills might be what opens the pathway for you. If you have previous experience in the industry or related industry – you’ll be in good stead for a promising career. If you possess transferable skills (we’ll cover these in a moment) and you’re keen to learn, a career in rail will continue to help you develop.
If you’re coming from a background with no previous experience, don’t worry. Opportunities will still be available for you (even if you’re 19 or 55+). But it’s important for us to outline the transferable skills that can be carried across – they’re a bonus and shouldn’t be overlooked. Your hard work won’t go to waste, it’ll help you propel in the future.
Here are some of the transferable skills you should be aware of. Do you have them?
- Health and safety – an essential skill for keeping everyone safe and well on the network.
- Electrical compliance – if you’re a tech whizz or you’ve used electricals safely in the past, this will certainly help.
- Communications – have you used your voice to help create change? Perfect!
- Relevant accreditations and certifications – if you hold a EUSR Card or other certifications, they won’t be wasted.
- Planning and decision making – helped solve problems? The rail industry will love it.
- Engineering – if you’ve worked in engineering before, this expertise will help with developments and rail growth.
- HR and finance – yes, even if you’re from this background, your skills are still valuable!
- Adaptability – if you’re open to adapt and solve issues, you’ll be in the right career.
- Flexibility – if you’re flexible and open to working in different environments and locations, the rail industry offers just that.
- ‘Soft’ skills – if you’re a team worker, have good communication and enjoy boosting team morale look no further.
There’s so many more! Any skills you can bring to the table will provide you with essential experience and confidence for the future. Once you have a foot in the door, you can quickly develop your skillset and increase your earnings potential.
Be proud of your previous achievements and use them to their advantage.
Trades
Manual Handling
If you’re experienced in manual handling, it will certainly help with any career in the rail industry. Manual handling is usually known as an activity involving physical effort to move or support an object/person by transporting, carrying, lifting, pushing or holding.
These tasks have to be carried out correctly and safely to ensure no injuries occur. Every organisation has some form of manual handling that needs carrying out – especially in the rail industry. Whether you’re doing maintenance work, inspection or you’re carrying renewal tools for the network lines – manual handling is essential for the railway industry.
Project Management
Deadlines and teamwork are both key drivers in the rail industry. Teamwork makes things work more efficiently and more streamlined. Deadlines are essential in order to keep everyone safe on the rail but also to meet the demands of daily workings.
Project management is the process of leading the work of a team to achieve goals and meet success criteria at a specified time. If you’ve led a team, helped achieve targets and meet deadlines – you’re in luck. The rail industry will love this.
Health and Safety
Employers have the top priority of ensuring everything that is carried out at a workplace has the employees health, safety and welfare at the forefront of everything. If you’re already trained in health and safety or you’ve got experience dealing with health and safety regulations, this will definitely lend itself to all trades in the industry.
Keeping everyone safe on the rail is essential – it can’t be overlooked. Whether that’s employees, temps, casual workers, the self-employed, clients, visitors or the general public. Health and safety are vital.
Rail Opportunities Available
Every single day, 4.8 million people use the rail network. Keeping Britain safe and moving forward is always full of challenges BUT it’s also full of opportunities. The UK railway is always looking for a wide range of employees. From apprentices to experienced individuals from a variety of sectors.
The UK’s 21,000 miles of railway track and more than 2,500 stations require constant maintenance. Of course, with continued maintenance also comes expansion and upgrades. This then strengthens the foundation for employment opportunities across the UK. Meaning a skilled career for life is PROMISED.
Civil Engineer
In this role, you’re an essential part of the delivery and operation of the world’s transport infrastructure networks. It’s an important role that can be spread across the UK.
There’s the opportunity for travel and personal development. If you did decide to become a civil engineer or work in engineering, it’s an area of the industry that is challenging but it’s extremely rewarding too.
Opportunities: it offers varied work, this career is available in lots of locations and it’s a great opportunity if you want to explore more or choose a location near family commitments.
Worth noting: it can be dirty work and some shifts can be on the weekends. But if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, look no further.
Signalling Technician
As a signalling technician, your job could entail installing and maintaining signalling systems, carrying out maintenance checks, finding and repairing faults or even upgrading communications networks.
In this role, you could be working on rail tracks, in a control room or in a workshop – lots of flexibility that’s for sure. Your work environment might be spent outdoors sometimes and you’ll get to travel often – if you love variety, this will tick the boxes. But don’t worry, you’ll be given all the protective clothing you need.
Opportunities: get to use hands-on power tools, variety of work locations – outside, office work or signalling workshop.
Worth noting: if you love travelling, then some overnight stays may be necessary to carry out certain tasks. If you’re keen to learn more technical skills, electrical and computer-controlled instruments are used to test and inspect equipment.
Operations
If you’re keen to help with the day-to-day running of the rail then operations might be the chosen career path for you. Responsibilities do vary from each role but if you’re looking for a new exciting challenge each day, operations will definitely provide that.
In this area of the industry, you’ll be able to see the full cycle of the rail network. From start to finish – literally. You’ll be a fundamental part of the customer journey and help solve many problems.
Opportunities: you’ll get to work alongside key stakeholders and help shape the future of travel. With analysis and experience, you’ll be able to suggest possible planning improvements to increase efficiency.
Worth noting: at times, it could be a challenging job as you deal with the planning, coordinating and managing of transport operations. It’ll keep you on your toes but it’ll be rewarding all at the same time.
Rail Futures Can Signpost You
We can signpost you in the right direction for a career and all the available training courses.
Whenever you’re situated across the UK, we’ll partner you with the correct training needs and direction for you – 15 colleges to choose from. Whether you’re wanting to reskill or start completely fresh in a new direction, we’ll help you along every step of the way.
With over 90 years of industry experience, we’ll be able to provide all the information you need to make the progression into sustainable employment. Get your questions answered, learn new skills and secure a skilled career for life.
If you want to learn more about the courses we offer and the opportunities available. Attend one of our partners’ open days available throughout the year. Speak to industry experts and register your interest TODAY.
