If you’re ready for an exciting career for life – yes, you’re suited to the rail industry. No matter the background, a career in rail can be a promising and rewarding career for all. No matter your age or experience levels, there’s varying opportunities for people of different backgrounds.
With high investment projects proposed for the future and 69,000 job vacancies available within the industry, a career for life in rail is guaranteed – FACT. If you’re interested in joining one of the UK’s largest industries, then look no further.
In this post, we’ll cover the advantages you have – no matter your experience or age. And how those advantages will stand you in good stead for a career in the rail industry.
We’ll cover:
Ages 19-25 Advantages
Fresh Perspective
When you’re starting in your career, it’s a time of apprehension but it’s also an exciting time. It’s challenging, it’s rewarding and it’s a learning experience. The rail industry offers diversity and flexibility especially if you’re coming from no previous job experience. If you’re coming straight from education or a previous job, then this will definitely be an advantage for you.
However, if you’re starting out – you’ll have a fresh perspective on the work, you’ll be new to the rail industry and you’ll be open to starting from scratch. No previous bad habits will have been picked up and you’ll be able to apply a new approach to rail.
The rail industry is always looking for people with fresh perspectives as it will help modernise the railway and prepare it for the problems of tomorrow. With up to 120,000 additional people needed to work on the UK’s railways over the next decade, there’s never been a better time to join.
Don’t be afraid of starting your career, it’s an exciting opportunity and journey – it’s the start of something new and change is essential for growth.
Career Progression
Without a doubt, a job in the rail industry is a career for life. It offers progression and development professionally and personally. If you’re starting your career, it can be a worrying time – it’s easy to feel indecisive about which avenue to take.
However, no matter where you want to take your career – you’re the driver of your opportunities. The opportunities are always there with passenger numbers increasing by 40 percent by 2040 – there’s always work to be done on the rail.
There’s a bright future ahead for the rail industry and that will definitely mean career progression. Whether you’re a part of the High Speed Two (HS2) upgrade, you choose to help with the Crossrail 2 project in the UK’s capital or you help with the day to day demands of rail across the country – there’s never a dull moment. There’s going to be jobs needed for 900,000 years worth of work combined!
Travel Opportunities
Are you looking for travel opportunities? When the training has been fulfilled, the rail industry offers many diverse travel opportunities – depending on your commitments and where you need to be located. So, if you’re looking to explore a new area of the UK or experience city life – then a career in rail is definitely for you.
Travelling offers opportunities and incredible growth – personally and professionally. So whether you choose to live in the UK’s capital city or you choose a more rural location, there’s many positives to taking the leap and joining the industry.
Especially when you’re new to your career path – there’s never been a better time to grab new opportunities with both hands! Don’t be afraid of trying something new.
Ages 26-35 Advantages
Future Investment
The rail industry isn’t boring – FACT. It’s an industry that’s ever-growing and always preparing for the next big thing. As travelling by rail becomes more in demand, the opportunities to improve travel for all is at the forefront. If you’re wanting to invest in your future and choose a career that’s guaranteed to help you develop and grow, the rail industry is a good choice.
London, the UK’s travel hub, is projected to grow by two million people by 2031. With this growth, there’s guaranteed to be more jobs available and more development opportunities. The UK Government is also in the works for investing £70billion to help improve Britain’s rail networks.
Not only is this the BIGGEST investment since the Victoria Era but it’s also going to offer more opportunities and more growth for everyone. The future investment is evident for the rail industry, so are you ready to invest in your future?
Job Flexibility
The rail industry offers job flexibility. Whether you’re wanting to move locations, learn a new area of the industry or work and learn on the go – it’s a career that can offer diversity. The days won’t be stagnant and monotonous, as no matter the training and role you choose, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of the rail industry.
Everyone is valued in the industry as the higher the demand for work, the higher demand there is for trained professionals. As long as you’re focused and motivated, you’ll stand in good stead for amazing opportunities and job flexibility.
If you’ve got existing commitments or need the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance, there’s so many jobs that need filling. Representing a wide range of work from engineering to telecommunications. So, you’ll be certain to find a role that works for you and your life.
Career Stability
If you’re looking for a career that guarantees stability then you’re looking in the right place. There’s nothing worse than feeling unsure about a career or feeling anxious about your future. However, the rail industry is always preparing for the future, there’s always growth to be made and there’s always career development opportunities.
Job uncertainty can determine most career decisions but it’s nothing you need to worry about in the rail industry. In fact, rather than worrying about career stability, consider which training opportunities you’re looking to explore and see where you want to be located.
Enjoy the process of researching and don’t get bogged down with worrying about the future – the future is bright for rail!
Ages 36-55 Advantages
Reskilling Opportunities
Leaping to a new career can be daunting, it can be a hard decision to make and it can come with a lot of apprehension. Is reskilling worth it? Is going back to college a bad decision? If you think that reskilling is going backwards in your career rather than forwards, then let us reassure you that it’s the opposite.
Reskilling will work in your favour for securing a promising career. It’s challenging but for all of the right reasons. Reskilling in the rail industry is secure and a strong decision to make – even at 35, 45 or even 55 years old. Reskilling can boost your confidence, your employability and it can help you secure a promising salary too.
When you’re reskilling, you won’t be alone. It’s predicted that over half of all employees (54 percent) will need to reskill by 2022, this will stand you in good stead and it will help prepare the rail industry for the future.
Financial Security
If you’re looking for stability, then the rail industry offers just that. Financial security is guaranteed after training. No matter what career you choose in rail, financial stability is always promised. You’ll play an important role in ensuring the rail network works successfully and you’ll be rewarded for this with financial security.
There are long-term developments and improvements set to take place across the rail network for the next five to 10 YEARS! These opportunities that are in the works, solidify the job security available. If you’re ready to explore a new challenge and want to enjoy the process of learning without worrying, you’ll be secure in a role in rail.
Transferable Skills
Are you worried about walking away from everything you’ve learnt previously? Don’t be. It’ll stand you in good stead. In fact, it’ll work to your advantage if you do have previous experience from various industries. All of your previous knowledge and experience will definitely benefit your prospects for working in rail.
Do you have health and safety knowledge? Great, your experience will be invaluable. Have you worked with electricals? This is a key area in rail too! Are you a keen decision maker? Communications are vital for successful delivery across the rail network.
But that’s not all, there’s many transferable skills that will benefit many roles across rail. If you do have skills that will lend themselves to existing careers in rail, you’ll be sought after. Employers will be keen to recruit you as you’ll have existing experience and confidence to transition this to a new role. Don’t overlook the power your skills have.
It’s Not Too Late
Taking the leap to a new career isn’t something that should be overlooked. Job satisfaction, financial security and job flexibility – it’s never too late to follow a passion or fulfil a rewarding career. Whether you’ve been in an unfilling career for a while or you’re starting out in your career, there’s the opportunity for everyone.
It’s never too late to start training or reskill. If you don’t take the leap now to a rewarding career, when will you? We know how daunting it can be to take that step forward in a new direction but it only requires your dedication and confidence. The rest will follow. What you’re looking for might just be around the corner so don’t doubt your ability – no matter your age or experience.
No matter where you are in your career there’s many benefits. Whether you’ve got sought after transferable skills or you’ve got an exciting fresh perspective, each age group offers multiple benefits. But how do you bridge the gap? We’ve got you covered!
We Can Bridge the Gap Between Training and Employment
You’re not doing this alone. With over 90 years of combined experience, our expert team at Rail Futures knows the industry inside and out. We can partner you with the right training providers and support you on your journey to employment. If you’ve got questions, we can answer them. If you’re wanting to learn more about the opportunities available, we can help.
If you want to learn more about the opportunities available in the rail industry and our top tips for finding a promising career in rail, download our FREE Ebook today!
