Network Rail has published research that reveals that over half of respondents (51%) would consider an apprenticeship if they were to restart their career.

The survey was carried out by OnePoll, questioning two thousand people across the UK. Network Rail ahs released the findings to mark National Apprenticeship Week.

The survey’s results also showed that 86% of adults believed that apprenticeships are a great way to kick-start a career.

The survey looked at 18-to-21-year-olds in particular. Two thirds of this age group said that they use te railway regularly, and 59% had considered a railway career.

But one quarter thought that there would not be a role kn hte railway industry to match their skills.

The railway industry directly employs over 100,000 people, in many different roles. It generated £26 billion in economic, environmental, and social benefits to the country over the past year.

This morning Britain’s railways announced ten thousand apprenticeship opportunities during 2025, the bicentenary of the railway. Train operating companies have also released information about apprenticeships, including Northern.

Network Rail runs a range of apprenticeships, in areas including engineering, business, information technology and finance. Apprentices earn while they learn, gaining essential railway skills.

Over the last five years, Network Rail has recruited 1,435 new apprentices and has placed around 2,165 of its existing workers into apprenticeship schemes. This brings the total number of apprentices to 3,600 over this period.

Network Rail has also published testimonies from two of its own apprentices. Jordanna Mills started as an apprentice in 2019. Now 23, Jordanna, from Ashford in Kent, has successfully completed the scheme, and now has a full-time, permanent job. She works for Network Rail as a principal technical officer in the maintenance team.

“During my time in sixth form, I was quite uncertain about which engineering route I wanted to go down. I wasn’t sure whether university and classroom based learning suited my desire for practical and real world experience. After researching several different paths, I discovered the Level 3 apprenticeship scheme, and haven’t looked back since.

“I’d encourage anyone thinking of applying to take time and research as I believe there’s really good value in apprenticeship schemes across the rail sector. I also like the idea that my essential skills will contribute to the future of railway infrastructure in the UK.”

Jordana Mils, former apprentice

Fardosa Said, 24, from west London, began a project management apprenticeship scheme in 2023.