News The Benefits of Work Experience

2026-08-06 03:39

View all news

The rail industry is experiencing fast change, and it needs more young people than ever before to lead it. With 1/3 of the rail industry in 2024 being over the age of 50, employers across the industry are constantly looking for young talent that can provide fresh ideas, new skills, and enthusiasm to keep driving a sector that keeps the UK moving. For anyone still uncertain about their future career path, work experience in rail provides a great opportunity to explore a modern and constantly evolving industry first-hand, while also building up transferable skills that can be applied to any career you choose to pursue. 

Why should I do work experience? 

1. It allows you to discover what fields of work you have potential to excel in. Because the rail industry is so multifaceted; whether it be engineering, project management, or even customer services, spending time in the actual workforce provides a clearer view of what a career in each pathway has to offer. 

1. It boosts your CV. As the job market continues to become more competitive, having work experience on your CV shows employers a desire to learn, proactiveness and curiosity. Whilst an educational background is still beneficial, even a short placement can set you apart from your peers and provide insights that can be used in interviews. 

1. It grows transferable skills. Early exposure to a working environment is vital in developing soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem solving and self-confidence, all of which are applicable to any industry, not just rail. 

1. You gain early insight into what actual employment has to offer. While education undoubtedly builds important skills, they are very distinct from what real-life experience in an industry provides. Work experience is a fantastic opportunity to overcome this, by providing exposure to the dynamics of an actual working environment. 

1. You can develop your professional network. While you may already have connections here and there before entering the workforce, work experience provides you with direct access to industry professionals in positions that can help your career and its progression. 

Whilst the benefits of work experience are clear, many struggle to find opportunities in the industry to learn more and get involved. 

Where can I go to learn more? 

• Routes into Rail is partnered with Springpod to provide a fully virtual work experience programme on the different careers available in rail. Focusing on the roles most in-demand, it provides a comprehensive overview of what a career in rail has to offer in an interactive and entertaining manner, and you receive a certificate of completion once finished. Find out more here.

• Utilise opportunities to organise a placement through the educational institution you are attached to and keep an eye on the Routes into Rail site for open work experience programmes. 

• If a company you are interested in is not currently promoting any work experience opportunities, consider writing to them explaining why you’d suit their company, the skillset you have to offer and what you would like to learn from it. 

Whether you’re assessing your career options, or are seriously considering a future in rail, work experience is a step in the right direction. As you navigate the uncertain landscape of employment, work experience serves as a solid opportunity to acquire skills, confidence and exposure that can help you further your career in rail.