Network Rail is constantly facing new challenges-and graduates are key to helping them prepare for the future.
The organisation responsible for the majority of the UK's rail infrastructure is looking to graduates to help them modernise as they prepare for the future. Network Rail owns and manages most of Britain's railway, including some of the biggest train stations like King's Cross St Pancras and Manchester Piccadilly, and believes graduates are key to future developments in rail transport.
Engineers are an essential part of the organisation, and graduates on Network Rail's Graduate schemes find the work exciting and diverse. Amin Patel, a graduate employed on the Civil Engineering Scheme, says he was surprised by the variation in his work.
"My role has been more varied than I anticipated," he says. "I've worked in technical roles with both the Civil and Track design teams, completed practical work during night shifts with track maintenance teams, volunteered for management and leadership roles in graduate-related activities, and even organised a coursework module and lectured at an engineering college."
The responsibilities and duties are challenging, but Amin says Network Rail supports him through everything.
"Graduates receive a lot of training, so you're always learning and you'll be given the assistance you need towards becoming a chartered engineer," he says. "Network Rail wants the best out of you, so not only will you improve as an engineer and a professional, but also as an individual."
Network Rail employs graduates in a range of Engineering and Commercial fields. They have opened Graduate Schemes in a variety of areas, from Property and Business Technology, to Civil Engineering and Project Management.
While Network Rail focuses on large projects important to the UK, Amin finds it is the staff who make the organisation.
"The best thing about Network Rail is the people," he says. "Everyone will make time for you and they're always willing to help. Joining a company with around 35,000 employees sounds quite daunting, but you're made to feel welcome."
Graduates drawn to projects of national importance who enjoy tackling new challenges should consider the opportunities at Network Rail.