Today’s railway is more dynamic and diverse than ever before.
It takes hundreds of different roles to keep it moving, this ranges from roles you may have heard of, like engineers, train drivers, timetable planners and signallers, to surprising roles, such as architects, drone pilots, ecologists and weather analysts.
There’s a place for every passion in the railways.
Think rail is just tracks and trains? Think again.
Careers in marketing, cybersecurity, sustainability and even air operations are all parts of the railway’s future.
Whether you’re passionate about protecting the planet, love making creative content, or you’re a gaming whizz, there’s a role here for you.
We need thousands of people from all backgrounds to help shape the railway of tomorrow, so come and explore the hidden roles in rail, discover the skills we’re looking for and the ones you already have.
Could you be a future pioneer in an industry that’s going places?
Your dream job might be closer than you think.
Get ready to discover your future.
The railway camera operator is our ‘eyes in the sky’. They are the eagle-eyed experts that capture footage of the tracks from above, spotting hazards, potential dangers and anything that needs fixing.
Watch: Dominic Mottram: Programme Manager for National Drone Strategy and Chris Ashworth: Aerial Survey Specialist
Railway coders are our digital tracklayers; they write code and develop software to make processes simpler and more efficient. These digital problem solvers make sure colleagues have the right systems in place, so the rail network runs smoothly, and passengers get home safe every day.
Railway ecologists play a vital role in protecting nature while keeping the railway running safely. They study habitats, monitor wildlife like bats and badgers, and develop innovative solutions to help trains and nature coexist. From advising on conservation efforts to maintaining natural habitats, their work ensures that railway projects support both people and wildlife.
Watch: Aline Gomes, Ecologist
Railway engineers are the innovators, solving problems and creating solutions with a mix of creativity and science. They design the technology for buildings, trains and tracks.
This important work keeps the railway running smoothly, helping people to travel and freight to move safely around the country.
Watch: Jaydan Manyan, Senior Engineer
The freight manager delivers the goods. They work with their customers, like supermarkets, building firms and medical suppliers, to move their products around the country by rail.
This means we get everything we need, when we need it – from bananas to bricks, sand to sweeties and medicines to metal.
Keeping goods moving is vital for the UK’s supply chain and best of all, doing it by rail is cleaner and greener than trucks or lorries.
Watch: Jess Lippett, Freight Manager
Our railway I.T. apprentices are brilliant at anything digital, working behind the scenes to keep rail technology safe and secure. They support teams across organisations to make sure their systems are working correctly, solving issues as they arise and creating cutting-edge apps to help colleagues work smarter and safer online.
Watch: Piya Patel, I.T. Apprentice
From helping to fix buildings to planning events and keeping trains moving, a great project manager can unite teams from across the business to make it all happen.
Watch: Tasha Manyan, Project Manager
Our railway teachers inspire the next generation of rail pioneers. They are safety experts and rail ambassadors rolled into one. They teach young people how to stay safe on the railway and around trains, while sparking their imaginations with the possibilities a career in rail can offer.
Watch: Karen Bennett, Railway Teacher
Timetable planners keep the trains moving by updating the rail timetable twice a year – in May and December.
They plan ahead, preparing for anything that could happen. That way, if events like concerts, football matches, or even landslides happen…they’re ready for it.
Watch: Maham Khan, Operational Planning Specialist
Our railway weather analysts are responsible for predicting all the twists and turns of the ever-changing UK weather – and how those very different conditions will or could affect the rail network.
Watch: Alice Smith, Head of Weather Response
Routes into Rail offers advice and information on the breadth and depth of careers available in the rail industry.
From detailed career profiles to advice on interviews and work experience in rail, the Routes into Rail website can help you find the right role for you.
