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​As we know, the UK has long been in the spotlight for its rail industry, with a record 1.7 billion passenger journeys taking place each year and more than 4 million passenger journeys starting, ending or passing through our stations every day.

This, along with major development projects including HS2, Crossrail and Thameslink means the Rail sector is far from short of exciting opportunities. But, how to get a job in rail? Where do you start?

Getting on track

If you’re just getting started in the rail industry you can carry out an apprenticeship, traineeship or graduate scheme, these are all great ways to gain on-site experience first-hand and could lead to full-time employment. Obviously, experience in construction or engineering as well as engineering related qualifications can also help. From civil engineering, to rolling stock, signalling to electrification, there are many different routes into rail– who knows where your career could end up.

Tracks to success

To get your rail career going, decide on a route you want to go down and then pursue companies or projects you’re interested in, such as HS2. Make sure you’re fully prepared for interviews, with rail interviews usually focusing on challenges, problem-solving, safety and decision-making among other topics. To check out our top tips on answering those important interview questions, click here. However, some skills are always important when it comes to rail, including team working, a high ability in practical and mechanical work and an awareness of safe working practices on the railways being at the forefront.

How Morson can help you

Our dedicated railway and transport division is the UK’s leading railway recruitment provider, working with some of the biggest companies in the sector to source and recruit highly experienced, knowledgeable rail personnel. We also have Morson Training, which delivers professional training programmes for people working in the rail industry and is the only rail trainer in the UK to have been awarded platinum in a recent quality assurance visit by the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR).