New recruits, skills, and ideas are forever on the rail industry’s radar. Whether it’s to fill positions on major projects, keep staff and passengers safe across the network, or ensure the trains are always running to schedule, there are thousands of roles available. RailStaff looks at the latest careers and recruitment news.
HS2 opens Camden bootcamp
A new skills bootcamp designed to fast-track careers in construction has opened its doors at HS2’s Euston site.
Aimed at getting local people ‘job ready’ in just two weeks, the intensive course offers the full training and accreditation needed to start work as a plant machinery operator. The programme is free to Camden residents over the age of 19 and is designed to support those who are either currently out of work or are seeking a career change to gain new skills which will help secure an opportunity in the construction industry.
The training facility is located on Hampstead Road, in the London Borough of Camden, in an area where the new railway will be built, taking trains in and out of Euston. The free course will combine practical training on a range of construction machinery, such as rollers, dump trucks, and excavators, with classroom-based learning at the nearby Euston Skills Centre.
The initiative is a collaboration between Flannery Plant Hire, HS2 and its construction partner Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS), Camden Council, and the Euston Partnership. Funding to deliver the programme, which is due to run until the end of March 2025, has been secured by Flannery from the Department for Education.
Ambrose Quashie, senior skills & inclusion manager for HS2 Ltd, said: “We want local people to benefit from HS2, enabling them to access free, high-quality training and to develop transferable skills that will last a lifetime.
“With an extensive construction programme underway and ambitious plans for 2025, we need more skilled people to help us build the new railway. To achieve this, our contractors and supply chain partners are offering a variety of roles with long-term career prospects – this skills bootcamp is a fantastic way to harness these opportunities and to get job ready in record time.”
At the end of the fortnight’s intensive training, successful participants will be offered a guaranteed interview for a plant operator role and will receive a Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) card for the machine categories they successfully completed the course on. It is anticipated that 30 participants will benefit from the programme, addressing local skills shortages and helping to create a lasting skills legacy.
Aaron Davis, safety and skills director for Flannery Plant Hire, added: “By leveraging our expertise in delivering high-quality, hands-on training, we are equipping participants with the practical skills, confidence, and certifications they need to access meaningful sustainable employment in the construction sector. The bootcamps not only address critical skills shortages in Camden and the surrounding Boroughs but also ensure that local residents are at the forefront of the opportunities created by landmark infrastructure projects like HS2.”
Among the first to take part is local resident Fatima, who said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the two-week boot camp with Flannery. Not only did I learn how to operate two plant machines, it felt great to be on the HS2 site.
“I am overwhelmed to have accomplished my ticket for the roller and dumper. Doing the course has enhanced my confidence and knowledge for plant operations. Thank you all for changing my life.”
TPE launches first graduate scheme
TransPennine Express (TPE) has launched its first-ever graduate scheme, offering opportunities for people looking to embark on a rewarding career in the rail industry.
Four graduate placements are now available across key areas of the business from working in engineering to gaining experience in finance.
The roles on offer for recent university graduates cover multiple areas across the business including corporate management, customer experience, data and insight, engineering, finance and major projects.
TPE’s programmes will see graduates not only applying their knowledge in real-life projects but also studying for an apprenticeship aligned to their job role, ultimately leading to a professional qualification.
TPE is looking for candidates who are enthusiastic about learning, have strong communication skills, and are passionate about delivering outstanding customer service.
While prior work experience is a bonus, it’s not essential, and applicants must have a strong customer focus and be within reasonable commuting distance of the roles specified locations.
The roles offer successful candidates the chance to gain a blend of practical experience and formal learning, working alongside experienced professionals to develop technical and management skills.
Lindsay Penney, early careers manager for TPE, said: “We’re thrilled to offer these graduate placements and to continue our investment in the future of the railway.
“This programme is more than just an opportunity to gain experience—it’s a chance to build a long-term career, with the added benefit of professional development and a recognised qualification.”
Robin Gisby, chief executive operator at DFTO said: “We want our railways to be the career destination of choice attracting the best and brightest talent from all backgrounds. Whether you have an interest in development, engineering, insight or finance, programmes like this give graduates an opportunity to develop key skills in a rapidly changing industry, playing a pivotal role in shaping its future.”
The graduate programme will offer the chance to explore key areas of the business, gain a well-rounded understanding of the rail sector while contributing to important projects.
The candidates will also be exposed to business challenges, working alongside colleagues at all levels to deliver solutions to help drive the company forward.
Applications for the 2025 graduate scheme programme are open until Friday 21 February, with each graduate role having its own specific requirements.
Armed Forces skills in high demand
Military personnel were told to consider a range of roles on the railway once they leave the armed forces, during a tour of Leeds station.
Members of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and The Royal Yorkshire Regiment visited the station and Neville Hill TrainCare Centre in January.
Northern staff, who work in operational and engineering roles, explained how they work to keep the trains running for thousands of passengers before highlighting the career opportunities that are available.
The train operator regularly encourages people who have previously worked in the armed forces or currently serve as reservists to apply for roles on the railway, claiming their skills and experience can be put to good use.
Lisa Leighton, Northern’s people director, said: “We have a range of rewarding roles to offer men and women in the armed forces who are looking to take on a new challenge.
“Northern colleagues who have previously served in the military say the transition to civilian life can be difficult, but the railway offers them the chance to join another close-knit team with a clear sense of purpose.
“It’s usually a good fit, because we are always looking for disciplined, punctual and resourceful people who work well under pressure and are prepared to go the extra mile to get the job done.”
Craig Lawley, who left the military in 2007 after serving with REME, recently joined Northern as an engineering infrastructure asset manager.
“Those who have served in the military tend to be more disciplined, as they train people to understand and follow specific instructions to get things done,” he said.
“People in the military take responsibility and get on with the task safely, effectively, and efficiently.
“Given the purpose of the railways, as a critical transport service, it needs people with discipline, who are thorough and can follow instructions implicitly, to keep things running smoothly and safely for passengers.
“People from a lot of different regiments and corps would enjoy coming into this environment. It’s a good, friendly place to work, you have a lot of people who are ready to help you and the professionalism is amazing.”
In 2021, Northern signed the Armed Forces Covenant – a commitment to supporting the employment of veterans and recognising military skills and qualifications across our business.
It also has an Armed Forces Group, which connects and supports staff who have previously served in the military.
Recruitment ramps up in anniversary year
To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (10-16 February), Britain’s railway announced that it plans to recruit 2,000 apprentices during its bicentenary this year, and at least 10,000 over the next five years.
A wide variety of one to four-year apprenticeships are available, for people from all backgrounds and ages – whether entering the workplace for the first time or looking to retrain in a career move. Roles are being offered by employers across the UK and the rail industry, including Network Rail, train and freight operators, manufacturers and the rail supply chain.
Roles available range from engineering to finance, train driving to sustainability, and IT to human resources, customer service and operations.
Rail’s support for National Apprenticeship Week coincides with the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, which is being celebrated as part of Railway 200 – a year-long programme aimed at helping to attract the next generation of pioneering talent.
The recruitment and training drive will help to deliver a more digitally driven, sustainable railway and champion the next generation of colleagues in rail, helping to develop vital new skills within the industry.
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning with study and are open to both young people and adult learners.
The railway seeks to be more representative of the society it serves and is striving to attract more women, people from ethnic minorities and those with neurodiversity.
Jacqueline Starr, chief executive officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “Apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity for people to start their careers in a variety of roles in rail. The rail industry plays a vital role in connecting communities and supporting the economy, and we need a diverse range of skills and perspectives to create the workforce of the future.
“As we celebrate the railway’s rich heritage, we’re looking to the future, investing in our people to help us deliver the high-quality, innovative service that passengers expect.”
Rail Minister Lord Hendy commented: “From personal experience I know how rewarding a career in the rail industry is. It is brilliant to see so many opportunities available, from roles for those wanting to start their careers to people keen to learn new skills and develop, in a fast-paced and exciting sector.
“The railways have a long history of innovation and Railway 200 represents the perfect opportunity to look to the future and inspire the next generation. I encourage everyone looking for a new challenge to discover how they can use their unique skills and talents to help build the railways of the future.”
Image credit: HS2
