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Wednesday 11 Feb 2026

Unlimited opportunities on the railway: How a Hereford man took on back-to-back apprenticeships to build a career with Network Rail

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Ryan Green has been earning while learning for the past seven years on the Wales and Borders route, highlighting the wide-ranging progression opportunities available for railway apprentices. 

To mark National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February), Network Rail Wales and Borders route is shining a spotlight on colleagues who have built rewarding careers through apprenticeships.  

Ryan’s story 

Before starting his career at Network Rail, Ryan Green, from Hereford, knew university wasn’t for him and spent two-and-a-half years travelling before deciding on his future path. 

“I didn’t want years of studying without knowing where it would lead,” Ryan said. “When I discovered Network Rail’s apprenticeships, I became fascinated by the railway.” 

In 2019 Ryan enrolled onto a Level 3 Railway Engineering Technician Apprenticeship which combined classroom learning with hands-on training before specialising in *permanent-way engineering, gaining technical qualifications and real-world experience on site. 

“The railway is incredibly complex,” Ryan explained. “You’re constantly balancing a network that’s 200 years old with modern innovation to keep it safe and efficient.” 

Back-to-back apprenticeships 

Keen to progress, Ryan took every opportunity to develop, which led him to apply for a second apprenticeship within the organisation in 2023 - a Level 6 Rail Systems Engineering degree - taking his career to the next level.

“At Level 3 you learn how to do the job,” he said. “At Level 6, you’re encouraged to think strategically - why things are done a certain way, how they can be improved, and how everything fits together. It’s more challenging, but it really suits me as I love problem solving.” 

Alongside technical skills, Ryan has grown as a leader, mentoring colleagues and helping develop new talent on site.

Looking ahead 

Ryan is due to complete his Level 6 apprenticeship in 2027 and hopes to continue progressing within the rail industry, with ambitions to join Network Rail Consulting and work on major projects in the UK and internationally. 

“The apprenticeships have prepared me for pressure and responsibility,” he said. “I’ve learned to manage complex projects, lead teams and always put safety first. When people are trusted and supported, they enjoy their work more and perform better.” 

“If you’ve got the drive and the right attitude, you can achieve in seven years what might take twenty somewhere else,” he said. "Network Rail gives you endless opportunities - and you get to work with great people while doing it.” 

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 Ryan following a similar pathway, building successful futures by taking advantage of the many opportunities the railway offers. 

“Ryan'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.” 

An apprenticeship at Network Rail offers more than just an education. You’ll receive expert training, earn while you learn and develop skills for life.  

Apprenticeships aren’t just for those of school leaving age, anyone can apply for one at Network Rail.  

Applications are now open for our 2026 intake - click here to learn about the broad range of apprenticeships we offer.