Media centre

Monday 9 Feb 2026

Rail apprenticeships attract a new generation of career changers

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Almost half of rail apprentices across the East of England are those changing career later in life, showing how rail apprenticeships are increasingly opening doors to those looking for a fresh start or a long-term career change.

This reflects a wider shift in attitude, as a survey of 16–30-year-olds across Essex, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Hertfordshire found that six in ten adults in their twenties are open to apprenticeships. Eight in ten are interested in a career in rail, highlighting the sector’s growing appeal to people looking to retrain or build long-term careers.

That interest is now translating into real recruitment outcomes. In the 2024–2025 intake, over 40% of apprentices recruited into Network Rail’s Anglia route were aged 25 or older, showing that apprenticeships are no longer just a route for school or college leavers.

This trend is reflected in what young adults say they want from work. The survey highlights that 93% of people in their twenties say training and career development are important to them, emphasising the value placed on building skills and long-term career progression. These are areas where rail apprenticeships provide strong support for people entering the workforce at different stages of their careers.

The findings also show that 80% of people in their twenties would consider a role in an industry where they have no prior connections, underlining how the railways can offer a clear, supported pathway for newcomers, even for those without previous experience or family background in the sector.

Opportunities continue to grow across the Anglia route. This year, 15 apprenticeship places are available in roles including signalling, track maintenance, telecoms and overhead line maintenance, offering routes into the railway for both career starters and career changers.

Strong progression outcomes further show the impact of the apprenticeship programme. In the last three years alone, with the support of dedicated apprenticeship coaches, 57 apprentices on the Anglia route have moved into permanent technician roles, with three progressing into senior technician positions, pointing to high retention and clear career pathways within the organisation.

Freddie Forder joined Network Rail’s apprenticeship programme in his late twenties after deciding to change career. Having recently graduated from his apprenticeship, Freddie has now secured a permanent role, illustrating how the programme is supporting people at different stages of life to retrain and build lasting careers in rail.

Freddie Forder said:
“Before joining the railway, my previous job had limited opportunities, and I was looking for a career where I could keep developing long-term. A lot of people my age assume apprenticeships are low-paid and only for school leavers, but that hasn’t been my experience at Network Rail. They invest in people who want to learn and build a long-term career, regardless of age.”

In the past year alone, Network Rail welcomed just under 300 new joiners nationally into its apprenticeship programmes, forming part of a wider commitment to developing skilled talent, with 1,780 apprentices recruited over the last five years.

Richard Turner, Network Rail’s head of apprenticeships, said:
“Apprentices play a vital role in keeping Britain’s railway running safely and reliably, and we’re proud to welcome nearly 300 new joiners this year across engineering, business, IT, and finance. Our programmes give people hands-on experience, the chance to earn while they learn, and the skills to build long-term careers. They also help us develop the next generation of STEM talent and create a diverse, future-ready workforce for the railway.”

As one of the UK’s top 100 apprenticeship employers, Network Rail continues to develop talented apprentices across the railway.

To take the first step towards a career in rail, visit networkrail.co.uk/apprenticeships.