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Wednesday 11 Feb 2026

From train spotter to track engineer: How a Carmarthenshire woman landed her dream job through a Network Rail apprenticeship

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Tamzin James, 25, is now working trackside at Whitland Depot - challenging stereotypes and inspiring more women to consider engineering careers with Network Rail. 

To mark National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February), Network Rail Wales and Borders is shining a spotlight on colleagues who have built rewarding careers through apprenticeships - highlighting the wide-ranging opportunities available to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Tamzin’s story

Tamzin James, 25, from Pembrey in Carmarthenshire, has just completed the first year of her Level 3 Railway Engineering Technician Apprenticeship and already has high aspirations for her future on the railway.

Tamzin joined Network Rail straight after finishing college, despite originally planning to go to university. A keen trainspotter in her spare time, she discovered the apprenticeship scheme through social media - and immediately realised it was the perfect career path for her.

“I enjoy train spotting in my spare time, but I just didn’t realise how many career paths the railway offers,” Tamzin said.

Based at Whitland Depot - covering what she describes as “one of the most beautiful patches” of railway in Wales - Tamzin balances classroom learning with hands-on experience maintaining the railway.

Her role includes a mixture of day and night shifts. Day shifts focus on routine maintenance, from fixing faults and preparing the railway for seasonal weather changes.

“The railway is such a vast field to learn and develop in, and has allowed me to have that constant challenge. The balance of learning and time on the job has helped me develop skills that will last a lifetime," Tamzin added.

Challenging stereotypes

Tamzin admits she was initially aware of the stigma sometimes associated with women entering engineering roles.

“It’s often seen as a ‘manly’ job because it’s manual,” she explained. “But when I joined, I saw how diverse it was becoming. There were other female apprentices starting alongside me, and my depot made me feel incredibly welcome”, she said.

Tamzin says the role is hugely rewarding, knowing her work has a visible impact on keeping trains running safely and reliably for passengers.

“I will forever be grateful for the apprenticeship scheme, for the colleagues I’ve met, and for the future I now have. It’s opened a door that leads to so many pathways,” she said.

Looking ahead, Tamzin hopes to progress to a Section Supervisor role at her depot and is particularly interested in operating and programming on-track machinery.

Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders said:
“Apprenticeships open doors to long-term careers on the railway - something I’ve experienced myself since starting as an apprentice with British Rail in 1990. 

“It’s fantastic to see colleagues like Tamzin following a similar pathway, building successful futures by taking advantage of the many opportunities the railway offers. 

“Tamzin’s story shows how apprenticeships at Network Rail Wales and Borders can transform lives, whether you’re starting out, changing direction or looking to progress further. We’re always looking for new talent and fresh perspectives to help shape the future of our railway, and by investing in people we’re not just building skills - we’re creating careers for life.” 

Apprenticeships at Network Rail are open to people of all ages and backgrounds, offering the chance to earn while learning and build skills for life.

Applications are now open for Network Rail’s 2026 apprenticeship intake, with a wide range of roles available across the business. Find out more here.