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51% of UK adults would choose to do an apprenticeship if starting their career again, new research from Network Rail has revealed.
The organisation surveyed 2,000 people across the UK, with the findings also revealing that 86% of respondents believe apprenticeships are a great way to kick-start a career.
When looking at 18 to 21-year-olds in particular, 68% use the railway regularly, but only 59% had considered a career in the railway – with 25% assuming there wouldn’t be a role to match their skills.
The railway industry directly employs over 100,000 across varying roles and generated £26 billion in economic, environmental, and social benefits to the UK over the past year.
Network Rail revealed it provides hands-on experience and career development – from engineering and business to IT and finance.
Jordanna Mills, 23, began her career as an apprentice in 2019 and over the course of three years, successfully completed the scheme – securing a full-time permanent role within Network Rail as a principal technical officer working as as part of the maintenance team.
She said, “During my time in sixth form, I was quite uncertain about which engineering route I wanted to go down. I wasn’t sure whether university and classroom based learning suited my desire for practical and real world experience. After researching several different paths, I discovered the Level 3 apprenticeship scheme, and haven’t looked back since.
“I’d encourage anyone thinking of applying to take time and research as I believe there’s really good value in apprenticeship schemes across the rail sector. I also like the idea that my essential skills will contribute to the future of railway infrastructure in the UK.”
Richard Turner, Network Rail’s head of apprenticeships, added, “We’re really committed to investing in the future talent that we need to build, maintain, and run Britain’s railway, and apprentices are a vital part of that. We want to attract more apprentices to the railway and are looking forward to working with Skills England to offer shorter, more flexible railway apprenticeships, helping us maximise our Skills & Growth Levy which aims to strengthen the connection between the education and rail sectors.
“Our schemes have no upper age limits and are suitable for anyone and everyone wanting to build a career in the railway. You don’t need to follow a traditional university path to make a real impact in an industry that keeps millions moving every day – all that we ask is that our applicants have a passion for making a difference.”
