Scotland’s General Management Graduate Scheme

Infrastructure, Transport Planning, Project Management, Business.

Help shape the future of Scotland's Railway.

Our 2-year General Management Graduate Scheme will give you the experience, knowledge and support you need to begin an exciting career with Network Rail. Through a varied programme of placements, projects and formal learning, you'll develop an understanding of how Scotland's Railway operates and discover how different parts of the business work together to provide a safe, reliable and sustainable service for passengers and freight customers.

Early Careers at Network Rail

What's it like to work at Network Rail? We speak to recent degree apprentices and graduates to find out.

If making an impact matters to you. You matter to us.

What you’ll be doing

Take the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a range of operational and business functions while developing a broad understanding of how the railway works.

You'll contribute to meaningful projects while building the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a successful career in railway operations and management. During your placements, you could be:

Supporting activities across areas such as Stations, Railway Operations and Control, Performance, Planning and Maintenance
Contributing to operational projects and incident response activities
Building relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across Scotland's Railway

You'll experience a variety of operational environments and gain insight into how Network Rail works with train and freight operators, Transport Scotland, the Department for Transport and British Transport Police. You'll also undertake Signaller Training and complete an external secondment with a train operator to develop your understanding of the wider rail industry.

Who you are matters

You'll need a minimum of a 2:2 degree in any subject and the flexibility to travel to different locations for placements and training opportunities.

We look for curious, motivated individuals who are ready to learn, take on new challenges and make the most of every opportunity. Other qualities we're looking for include:

Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Good organisation and time management skills
A logical and creative approach to problem-solving
The ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people
A willingness to take on responsibility within a safety-critical environment

Railway operations run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. During some placements, you may work shifts, weekends or public holidays, and occasionally travel or stay away from home for short periods.

What you’ll get out of it

Over 24 months, you'll complete a range of development programmes designed to build your understanding of railway operations, leadership and business management. You'll complete a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 5 unit in Project Management and our internal Leader in Me Development Programme.

Throughout the scheme, you'll be supported by experienced colleagues and mentors as you build your skills, professional network and confidence. Following the scheme, that support will continue as you move into your first appointment and take the next step in your career with Scotland's Railway.