Almost half of apprentices now working in the railway industry in eastern England have changed their original career paths, which reflects the trend for rail apprenticeships for anyone wishing to change careers.

In a survey of people aged 16 to 30 in Essex, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire, 60% of them stated that they would consider taking up an apprenticeship.

A higher percentage, of 80%, stated they were interested in pursuing a career in the railway industry, which shows its growing appeal for those wishing to retrain or build long-term careers, and is no longer just a route for school or college leavers.

The findings also show that 80% of people in their twenties would consider a role in an industry where they have no prior connections, underlining how the railways can offer a clear, supported pathway for newcomers, even for those without previous experience or family background in the sector.

The increasing interest in railway apprenticeships is shown in recruitment figures, where over 40% of apprentices recruited during 2024-2025 by Network Rail for its Anglia route were aged 25 or older. The survey also found that training and career development were important to 93% of people in their twenties.

This year, Network Rail is offering across its Anglia route in disciplines that include signalling, track maintenance, telecoms, and overhead line maintenance.

During the last three years, 57 apprentices on the Anglia route have progressed into permanent positions, with three being promoted to senior technicians.

One recent apprentice is Freddie Forder, who joined Network Rail in his late twenties after deciding, and having recently graduated from his apprenticeship, now has a permanent role.

Highlighting the different backgrounds of Network Rail apprentices is Illaria Knibb from Kettering, who is representing Great Britain in the European Indoor Archery Championships.

“Before joining the railway, my previous job had limited opportunities, and I was looking for a career where I could keep developing long-term. A lot of people my age assume apprenticeships are low-paid and only for school leavers, but that hasn’t been my experience at Network Rail. They invest in people who want to learn and build a long-term career, regardless of age.”

Former apprentice Freddie Forder

“Apprentices play a vital role in keeping Britain’s railway running safely and reliably, and we’re proud to welcome nearly 300 new joiners this year across engineering, business, IT, and finance. Our programmes give people hands-on experience, the chance to earn while they learn, and the skills to build long-term careers. They also help us develop the next generation of STEM talent and create a diverse, future-ready workforce for the railway.”

Richard Turner, Network Rail’s head of apprenticeships