Bonnie Price, CEO of the Young Rail Professionals (YRP) looks back at Railweek 2025 and encourages organisations to get involved next year.
There is something special about railways. They’re not just tracks and trains, they’re the arteries of the country, the pulse of progress, and a glimpse into the future. The vast network of steel and concrete that criss-crosses the UK isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a reflection of who we are and, more importantly, who we could be.
As professionals working within the rail industry, we all understand how crucial it is to foster talent and close the growing skills gap that threatens the long-term success of our sector. That’s why I’m here to tell you about Railweek 2025, which ran from 10-16 February. It’s a chance for organisations to contribute directly to the future of rail and make a tangible impact on the next generation of talent.
Credit: YRP
As the CEO of Young Rail Professionals (YRP), I can tell you that Railweek isn’t just another event on the calendar. It’s an opportunity for all of us in the industry to give back, to connect with young people, inspire the next wave of talent, and show them what the rail sector truly offers. It’s about demonstrating that rail is not just a job, but a dynamic, innovative, and rewarding career choice.
Why it matters
The rail industry is at a critical juncture. We’re at the forefront of the biggest infrastructure projects the UK has seen in decades, with cutting-edge technology, sustainability goals, and a need for a new generation of skilled professionals to drive the sector forward. But to achieve these goals, we need to ensure that the right talent is ready to step into these roles.
Railweek plays a pivotal role in attracting and educating future professionals, bridging the skills gap, and showing just how vast and diverse the opportunities in rail really are. It’s not just about filling roles – it’s about inspiring people to see rail as a career where they can thrive, innovate, and shape the future of mobility.
Railweek 2025 was packed with events and activities that engaged students, jobseekers, young professionals, seasoned experts, and educators, and offered an inside look at the exciting projects happening across the rail industry. The programme included a mix of interactive pop-up stalls, behind-the-scenes depot tours, technical talks, careers fairs, and webinars. This year, we made sure there was something for everyone to get involved in.
For instance, on Monday 10 February, we hosted the Birmingham New Street Station Pop-up Stall with the YRP West Midlands committee. This stall served as a focal point for engaging with the public, answering questions, and offering a glimpse into the vast array of roles that the rail industry offers. This was an excellent chance for organisations to showcase what they do, engage directly with potential future employees, and promote the varied career paths in rail.
The Rail Careers Fair in Wales was another key event offering a direct way for organisations to connect with students, graduates, and young professionals, and give them a chance to learn about projects and career opportunities.
Get involved
There are multiple ways your organisation can get involved in Railweek, whether by hosting an event, providing speakers for our technical talks, or simply volunteering your time to share your expertise with the next generation.
Consider offering a depot tour or a technical talk. This year included events such as the DMU Depot Tour in Bristol and the Elizabeth Line Old Oak Common Depot Tour, which provided immersive, hands-on experiences for young people to see how the rail industry works. These types of events are invaluable for sparking curiosity, helping students and young professionals understand the real-world applications of their studies, and allowing them to see the engineering marvels that drive our industry.
And it doesn’t stop there – Tech Talk Tuesday, hosted by UKTRAM and AtkinsRealis, offered a platform for experts in technology and innovation to showcase how the rail sector is evolving. If your organisation is pushing the boundaries in tech, sustainability, or engineering, Railweek is the chance to present your work to an engaged and eager audience.
You might be thinking, “Why should my company get involved?”
The answer is simple: Railweek is an investment in the future of our industry. By engaging with the next generation of professionals, you’re not only helping them understand the scope of opportunities in rail; you’re also building your talent pipeline and reinforcing your organisation’s commitment to developing the future of rail.
Involving your organisation in Railweek shows your commitment to the rail industry’s continued growth and innovation. It gives your teams an opportunity to give back, mentor, and share their expertise.
For many young people, these interactions could be the catalyst for their careers in rail. For your business, it’s a chance to strengthen your brand, build relationships with local communities, and attract skilled professionals who are passionate about the future of rail. It benefits your teams in the now- by having a chance to team build when passing on their collective knowledge. After all, it feels good to do some good.
An essential event
Railweek is an essential event for all of us in the rail industry. It is not just about filling vacancies; it’s about building the future of rail, inspiring the next generation of engineers, project managers, and innovators. By getting involved, your organisation has the chance to shape that future, to engage with tomorrow’s rail professionals, and to make a lasting impact on the sector we all care so deeply about.
Railweek is our chance to show the world just how dynamic, exciting, and essential our industry really is. This year’s was a week to remember. Get involved in 2026 and help us build the rail industry of tomorrow.
Image credit: iStockphoto.com/Ichumpitaz
