Railway Operations Management Graduate Scheme

Help deliver a safe, reliable and high-performing railway for passengers and freight customers.

Our 18-month Railway Operations Management Graduate Scheme will give you the tools and experience to kickstart your career at Network Rail. Through placements, projects and structured development opportunities, you'll build your knowledge of railway operations while developing an understanding of the impact your decisions have on passengers, freight users and the wider railway network. You'll also gain insight into the relationships between Network Rail, train and freight operators, the British Transport Police and emergency services.

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

What you’ll be doing

Take the opportunity to gain experience across a range of operational environments while developing a broad understanding of how the railway works.

You'll contribute to operational activities and projects while building the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a successful career in railway operations. This could include:

• Gaining experience across stations, signalling, control and incident response
• Supporting operational projects and learning how different parts of the railway work together to deliver the best customer experience
• Developing your knowledge through placements, formal training and operational business roles

Throughout the scheme, you'll experience a variety of placements and activities designed to help you understand what it takes to deliver a high-performing operational railway. You'll also undertake Signaller Training to develop your understanding of railway operational rules and principles.

Who you are matters

You'll need a minimum of a 2:2 degree in any subject, the flexibility to occasionally travel to attend training opportunities at various locations, and a willingness to embrace the responsibility that safety-critical work brings.

We look for diverse and logical thinkers who can find creative solutions to challenging problems. Other qualities we're looking for include:

• Strong problem-solving skills
• Good communication skills
• Ability to build relationships with people at all levels
• Good time management and organisational skills
• A proactive and self-motivated approach to learning

Railway operations happen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you'll need the flexibility to work weekends, bank holidays and shifts during some placements. You'll also be comfortable travelling and staying away from home for periods of time when required.

What you’ll get out of it

Over 18 months, you'll complete a range of development programmes designed to build your understanding of railway operations and develop a systems-thinking approach to the industry. Through a variety of placements and practical experiences, you'll develop the operational knowledge, leadership capability and commercial awareness needed to build a successful career in the railway industry.

You'll gain experience across different operational environments, build a strong professional network and develop an understanding of how the railway works as a whole. Following the scheme, you'll continue to receive support from colleagues and mentors as you move into your first permanent role and take the next step in your professional development journey.

• Salary: £32,000 (plus a £2,000 welcome bonus)
• Locations: Derby, York, London, Rugby, Wigan, Manchester, Chester, Basingstoke, Reading, Bristol, Cardiff
• Start date: September 2027
• Programme duration: 18 months
• Minimum degree requirements: 2:2 degree in any subject

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