18 Sep, 2024
Ex-Forces into Alstom insight day 24 Sept 2024
A valuable insight day with Alstom into the rail industry. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, and trams, to turnkey…
Careers
As the UK intensifies its efforts to decarbonize transportation and modernize its infrastructure, the rail industry has emerged as a national priority. With growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and deliver sustainable transport networks, the UK rail sector is experiencing significant investment, innovation, and demand for skilled professionals. For Armed Forces leavers, this presents an outstanding opportunity to transfer military experience into a high-growth, high-impact industry.
Rail is not only a vital part of the UK's transport infrastructure—it’s also a green, future-proof industry that supports national mobility, economic growth, and connectivity. The sector is undergoing rapid expansion and modernization through major infrastructure projects like the Transpennine Route Upgrade, digital signalling upgrades, and regional improvements aligned with the Integrated Rail Plan. Despite some changes to the scope of HS2, the sector remains one of the most robust areas for public infrastructure employment.
The UK’s railway network is operated by a blend of public and private organizations. Train Operating Companies (TOCs) are responsible for delivering passenger services, managing everything from customer support roles to train driving and on-board operations. Network Rail owns, maintains, and develops the rail infrastructure—including tracks, signalling, bridges, tunnels, and stations—making it one of the country’s largest employers of engineers and technical professionals.
In parallel, there’s a growing demand across the rail supply chain. From multinational engineering firms designing rolling stock and signalling systems, to government agencies managing long-term transport policy, the opportunities are broad, varied, and increasingly inclusive of military talent.
While headlines have focused on projects like HS2, the sector’s future lies not only in high-speed rail, but also in upgrading existing routes, improving digital resilience, and electrifying lines to meet net zero goals. This is generating thousands of jobs in areas such as:
Many of the skills acquired during military service align directly with those needed in the rail industry. Leadership, coordination, crisis management, and hands-on technical skills are valued across both operational and engineering roles.
Logistical planning, for example, has direct application in train scheduling, network control, and freight operations. Similarly, technical experience gained through engineering, avionics, or electronics roles in the Forces is highly relevant to signalling systems, traction and rolling stock maintenance, and infrastructure inspection.
Experience in high-pressure environments, decision-making under time constraints, and effective communication in team settings are invaluable in both customer-facing and behind-the-scenes rail roles. Moreover, those with experience in administrative or planning positions are well-placed for careers in commercial operations, HR, finance, and project support.
Key transferable skills include:
These attributes are sought after across the sector, from control centres and depot workshops to construction sites and corporate management teams.
Entry into the rail sector depends on the type of role you’re targeting. Some positions—such as station staff, track maintenance operatives, or customer service advisors—may require minimal formal qualifications but strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.
Technical, supervisory, and engineering positions will usually require specific qualifications or structured training pathways. The good news is that the industry offers a clear training and accreditation structure, much of which is open to ex-Forces personnel. Key pathways include:Network Rail, one of the UK’s largest employers, offers formal training and development programmes across disciplines such as signalling, electrification, telecommunications, civils, and maintenance.
The Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC) continues to be a key funding mechanism for service leavers to gain Level 3 and above qualifications in rail-related subjects. Many colleges and private providers offer courses in project management, rail infrastructure engineering, CAD, and more, all of which are ELC-eligible.The National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR) remains a crucial partner in supporting veterans' entry into the industry. Developed in collaboration with Siemens and the UK government, NTAR offers military-aware training programmes focused on areas like traction, rolling stock, systems engineering, and digital rail technologies.
Their bespoke courses help bridge the gap between military and civilian sectors, aligning veterans’ skills with industry needs in electrical and mechanical maintenance, fault diagnostics, and asset lifecycle management. These qualifications are often delivered in partnership with EAL, a recognized awarding body, and are available at Level 3 or higher—making them eligible for ELCAS funding.
Service leavers can download NTAR’s most recent qualification guide or contact their outreach team for advice on how to start the application process. It’s highly recommended to check the NTAR website or EAL’s rail qualifications page for the most current programme availability.
Step Into Rail is an annual one-day event held by the NTAR at its purpose-built training facility in Northampton. After a brief hiatus following the Covid pandemic, Step Into Rail returned in 2023, taking place on 11 May. Offering a unique opportunity for those leaving, or due to leave, the military to speak with some of the biggest names in the industry and explore what the rail industry has to offer, the event saw representation from across the rail industry, including train maintenance and telecommunications. In addition, members of the various rail-related recruitment teams were on hand to discuss the transition process as part of the informal networking phase of the day.
If you missed out this year but are interested in attending future events, or require further information, keep an eye on the NTAR events page for updates.
The day is designed specifically for ex-Forces personnel and aims to illustrate how valuable military skills and experiences can be translated to roles within the rail industry. Although the main focus is engineering, telecoms and signalling, the NTAR is also able to showcase other roles that require a range of skill sets, suitable for recruits from all ranks.
With attendance completely free of charge, Step Into Rail offers a full agenda, with great networking opportunities, case studies of how others have made the journey into industry, and the chance to explore how military-gained knowledge can be applied to careers within rail. It’s a day not to be missed. Watch out for its return in 2024!
For Armed Forces personnel, the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme remains one of the most valuable tools in accessing further training. The ELC scheme allows eligible service leavers to apply for funding to cover part of the cost of Level 3 or higher qualifications, making it ideal for those looking to retrain in a new sector.
In rail, ELCs can be used to fund a wide range of accredited courses in areas including project management, infrastructure engineering, electrical installation, signalling technology, and safety management. Many training providers and colleges offer modular, flexible learning options that cater specifically to the resettlement community. When selecting a course, it’s important to verify that the provider is ELCAS-approved to ensure funding eligibility.
Service leavers are encouraged to speak with a Career Transition Partnership (CTP) advisor or visit the ELCAS website to view the latest approved course list and begin the funding application process.
RAIL APPRENTICESHIPS
Both Network Rail and the Rail Delivery Group offer a range of rail-related apprenticeships. Click on those links to find out more and stay up to date with the latest opportunities. Alternatively, use your favourite search engine to discover more options. Or browse the government’s apprenticeship website (check out the ‘Transport and logistics’ section) or Find Apprenticeships, both of which allow you to search for apprenticeship opportunities by area of interest and location.
The best way to start your job search is to explore dedicated rail industry job boards. Network Rail maintains a comprehensive careers portal where all job vacancies are listed, including those aimed at veterans. Similarly, RailwayPeople.com and the Rail Delivery Group’s website regularly list current openings across the country.
LinkedIn, Indeed, and TotalJobs are also effective platforms for finding both direct employer roles and agency positions. Some rail contractors prefer to use specialist recruitment agencies such as Ganymede, Morson, or Matchtech, particularly for short-term or contract-based engineering and maintenance roles.
Network Rail actively recruits ex-military candidates and has formal transition support in place. Their online careers hub regularly features roles suited to military skills, including:
The rail industry offers a clear and supportive framework for career development. A veteran might begin their civilian journey as a maintenance technician and, through continued professional development and experience, progress to supervisory or engineering management roles. Similarly, a former logistics officer might enter as an operations planner before moving into depot or regional leadership.
Employers often offer internal development schemes, mentoring, and opportunities to undertake further qualifications while in role. Network Rail’s own internal career progression tracks are well regarded, as are those offered by major contractors and train manufacturers.
The stability of the rail industry, combined with the scale of infrastructure investment and technological change, makes it an ideal environment for long-term professional growth.
NETWORK RAIL NEEDS YOU!
Network Rail recognizes the exceptional value veterans bring. Whether you’ve worked in engineering, operations, analysis, planning, or security, your background could align perfectly with one of the following functions:
Network Rail's commitment to inclusive hiring, structured training, and long-term career development makes it a top choice for ex-Forces candidates looking for purpose, career growth, and a sense of mission.
- Engineering: maintenance, signalling, electrification, buildings and civils
- Asset Information and Analysis: operational data, risk modelling, condition monitoring
- Project Delivery: strategic planning, delivery management, supplier coordination
- Support Roles: commercial, legal, HR, finance, logistics
GET INFORMED
For detailed information about the kinds of career opportunities offered by the rail industry, visit www.networkrail.co.uk/careers
The general trends regarding the demand for staff in the UK rail sector and the types of positions available remain relatively consistent, but it's important to update and fact-check the information provided to ensure accuracy. Here's an updated version of the provided text with new information added where relevant:
The UK rail sector continues to evolve, with ongoing development projects generating a need for new staff. Recruitment challenges persist, particularly for specialist engineering roles, which remain in high demand. Network Rail and other rail industry organizations have been focusing on creating more in-house skilled engineering jobs to deliver essential infrastructure projects, a trend that is likely to continue as the rail network expands and modernizes.
Train driver positions are highly sought after, and competition is strong. The role is critical for safety and requires a comprehensive selection process, including aptitude tests and training programs. While specific qualifications may not be as critical, the ability to concentrate and make clear decisions is essential. Salaries for train drivers can be competitive, reflecting the importance of the role, though the mentioned salary range should be verified with current industry standards as they may have increased due to inflation or changes in the market.
Customer service roles, both at stations and on trains, are challenging to fill despite requiring fewer formal qualifications. These roles demand strong communication skills and the ability to handle diverse situations with the public. Network Rail has historically faced challenges in recruiting signallers, and it is likely that this need persists, with an emphasis on attention to detail over formal qualifications.
Infrastructure maintenance organizations employ a mix of technical staff and track maintainers. Technical staff typically have engineering experience and qualifications, while track maintainers require physical strength and the ability to work in various weather conditions. Specialist agencies continue to play a role in providing flexible labour to the industry, offering entry points for those seeking to join the rail sector.
Management and engineering opportunities in the rail industry remain robust, with a continuous need for experienced customer service managers and logistics professionals. Academic qualifications and practical experience are beneficial for securing higher-paid management positions. The scarcity of engineering skills remains a persistent issue, reinforcing the importance of Network Rail's commitment to creating more skilled engineering jobs.
For job seekers, the best approach to finding vacancies in the rail sector is to search online. Many train operating companies (TOCs) list job opportunities on their websites, and some may be accessible through a centralized portal. Network Rail maintains its own career page with a job search feature detailing the types of roles available.
It can be more challenging to find vacancies with subcontractors, as they often rely on agency staff. Job seekers can explore the websites of various agencies that specialize in maintenance roles and other contract work within the rail industry.
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