Media centre

Friday 21 Nov 2014

On track for a bright future – Network Rail increases graduate places by 45% as investment in our railway continues

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail is increasing its investment in the talent of the future by raising the number of places available on its graduate and work placement schemes by more than 40%.

The company is looking to recruit 145 graduates – up from 100 last year – to join its 2015 graduate scheme and help build a bigger, better railway for Britain. Around a third of the places will be open to those with engineering degrees, with the company keen to attract people from a wide mix of academic backgrounds for the remainder.

Sophia Morgan joined the graduate scheme in 2013 and works with the company’s Infrastructure Projects division on developing schemes across London and the South.

She said: "I loved the idea of being involved in projects of such a scale and impact. Having no formal experience in project management or the rail industry I was worried that I would be out of my depth but I received a fantastic level of training and experience to bring me up to speed.

"My first placement was in Infrastructure Projects East Midlands, delivering three bridge demolitions and reconstructions as part of the Midland Mainline Electrification. My second placement was in the IP Southern Development team working on multi-million pound property projects that will change the face of London, where I now work permanently.

“The diversity and opportunity in the business is fantastic and there are so many chances to fulfil your potential. I have done everything from monitoring construction works on site at night to holding public information events to spending a day with the Network Rail Helicopter.”

As well as opportunities in engineering (civil, mechanical and electrical or electronic), graduates can apply for jobs in general management, finance, property, strategic planning, supply chain, business technology and project management, with positions available all over Britain.

A further 40 places are available on the company’s one-year work placement scheme. Open to second-year undergraduates, the scheme gives students the chance to obtain invaluable exposure to the workplace which will stand them in good stead as they apply for jobs on completion of their degrees.

Fiona Tabraham, senior resourcing partner at Network Rail, said: “Network Rail has £38bn to invest over the next five years so there’s never been a better time to get on board as we build the railway network of the future. Our graduates are given responsibility from day one, building up the core skills that they need to become future leaders of the business. Anyone interested in a career that makes a difference to people’s lives should join us on this journey.”

To further support the company’s work with undergraduates, Network Rail has launched a prize draw offering five lucky final year university students the chance to win a suite of opportunities – including one-to-one mentoring sessions with our future leaders and CV guidance sessions – all designed to help give them the best chance of securing a job when they go into the job market. We’re also offering some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to go behind the scenes on Britain’s railway – details can be found at www.accessunlimitedquiz.co.uk/. “