Network Rail graduate jobs

Network Rail careers and training scheme

We run, maintain and develop Britain’s tracks, signalling system, rail bridges, tunnels, level crossings, viaducts and 17 key stations.

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The Company

Helping create a railway for the 21^st century; will you say: ‘I DID THAT’?

Looking to the future
Network Rail, owner and operator of Britain’s rail infrastructure, has one of the greatest challenges of any organisation in the UK: to provide a safe, reliable and efficient network - one that’s fit for the 21st century and beyond. We’re an organisation that has an impact on the lives of people throughout the UK. Indeed, not only do we transport 2.75 million people safely to their destinations everyday, we take our ambitious, committed graduates on some incredible journeys too.

Engineering
Our Civil Engineering and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering programmes offer unparalleled opportunities to be involved in some of the most exciting, cutting-edge, high profile projects around. Over the course of the scheme, which lasts 4 years, you’ll combine on-the- job training with specialist courses and secondments, leading to chartered or incorporated status and a hands-on managerial role.

Management
With a commercial focus as strong as our engineering vision, we’re keen to develop our next generation of business managers. There are a number of paths on offer: Project Management, Operations and Customer Service, Contracts and Procurement, Information Management (IT), Finance and Commercial Property. In all cases, you’ll be ready to move into a real role with genuine decision-making responsibilities after an intensive induction at our dedicated training centre, Westwood. For the next few years, you’ll continue to develop your commercial and management skills, working towards achieving chartered status with professional institutions on some of our programmes.

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Live Jobs

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Training & Profiles

Further Study: MSc Project Management
We also have opportunities for graduates who are keen to further their academic study to join our MSc Project Management programme. We ’ll pay all tuition fees and accommodation and you’ll even receive a £5,000 bursary. Importantly, we guarantee you a career upon successful completion either within our Project Management or Information Management teams, involving some of the largest and most complex projects being undertaken in the UK.

Career development
All programmes require at least a 2.2 degree, along with considerable drive, ambition and self-assurance. Show you have what it takes to contribute to our future and we’ll be well and truly committed to yours, with substantial investment in your long-term development. You’ll gain unrivalled experience through varied placements on diverse projects of national importance, personally control the pace of your chosen specialism and develop your skills within this ever- changing environment.

What We Need from You
In the future, our graduates will be able to turn around and say: ‘I did that’. If you want to share that pride, and have determination, ambition and a relevant 2.2 degree or equivalent there’s nothing stopping you (see our website for specific entry requirements by scheme). But there’s more than just overwhelming pride up for grabs - it truly is a job worth doing.

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Case Studies

Name: Alison Barker
Role: Graduate Electrification and Plant Engineer
Joined: 2006

"The new Airdrie to Bathgate line in Scotland is one of Network Rail’s biggest projects. I’ve been working with the Electrification and Plant Project Engineer and teaming up with loads of different parties. Lots of projects interface with ours because of shared networks and junctions, so there’s no such thing as an ordinary day - it’s a balance between site visits and office-based assessment of contractors’ plans.

I asked to extend my placement from six to ten weeks because I was enjoying it so much. I’m now far more commercially aware - and I’ve improved my technical ability as I’ve learned how to interpret designs and understand why certain things have to be done in a certain way. I’ve also had access to new technologies, which are only used in one or two other places in the country."

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Name: Russell Shanley
Role: General Management Graduate
Joined: 2006

"From co-ordinating covert CCTV to liaising with corporate affairs, my current role working in the Maintenance team covers a lot more than just improving the visual impact of the railways. I oversee the reputation budget for the entire East Midlands, and I’m the interface between Maintenance and third parties in relation to things like graffiti removal, encroachment and boundary disputes. It’s a co-ordination role, primarily driven towards improving community relations. I’ve been supporting this role for quite a few months but I’m now proud to say I’ve just stepped into the acting role.

I wanted to work for an organisation where there was plenty of variety and opportunity, and Network Rail offered both. It’s challenging because of the need to prioritise resources and juggle the desired outcomes of so many different parties, but I’ve always had the support that I needed. Back at uni I’d never have imagined I’ d be where I am now, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it and am very excited about the career options that lie ahead with Network Rail."

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Information & FAQ

Work Offered:

• Operations and Customer Service
• Finance
• IT
• Project Management (MSc)
• Commercial Property
• Contracts and Procurement
• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering

Further study opportunities:
Msc in Project Management

Locations:
Engineering roles - Swindon, Glasgow, London, Birmingham and York
General Management roles - 17 different locations nationwide
Commercial Property and Finance - London only

Programme length:
Dependent on programme discipline

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