Network Rail apprentices power the future of Britain’s railway

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9–15 February), Network Rail is celebrating the apprentices developing the skills needed to maintain, improve and future-proof Britain’s railway.

As National Apprenticeship Week gets underway, Network Rail is sharing the stories of apprentices from across the country, highlighting the different routes into railway careers and the hands-on experience they gain while working on the network.

Apprentices play a vital role in maintaining and modernising the railway. In the past year, Network Rail has welcomed just under 300 new joiners* into its apprenticeship programmes. This forms part of the organisation’s wider commitment to developing skilled talent, with 1,780 apprentices recruited during the last five years.

Through its wide range of apprenticeship schemes, Network Rail offers hands-on experience and long-term career development across engineering, business, IT, and finance. Apprentices earn while they learn, gaining the skills needed to support the safe and reliable operation of the railway and help connect communities across Britain.

Engineering a future in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

Among the apprentices helping to shape the railway is Illaria Knibb, 24, from Kettering, who joined Network Rail in October 2023 and is now a third-year Engineering Technician Apprentice specialising in Overhead Line Equipment.

Coming from a non-engineering background, Illaria has embraced the challenges of her role while developing technical skills and learning something new every day.

Her journey is featured in a short video, where she shares her experience of being treated as a full member of the team, pursuing her Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician qualification, and combining her love of STEM with a rewarding career in rail.

From data to decisions

Network Rail apprentices are making an impact across every part of the railway - from engineering on the tracks to digital and technology solutions behind the scenes. Ismael Ayub, 21, a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Apprentice from Bedford, says the apprenticeship offers responsibility from day one.

“People don’t always realise how much responsibility apprentices have. The work we do directly affects how safely and reliably trains run, which makes everything I’m learning feel meaningful.I joined Network Rail in January 2023 because the apprenticeship allows me to rotate across different teams, develop a wide range of skills, and discover what I enjoy most before choosing a specialism. My goal is to secure a full-time role and continue building a career that helps deliver a modern, efficient railway.”

From school to signals

Network Rail apprentices come from a wide range of backgrounds, proving that there are multiple pathways into a rewarding railway career. Connor Greasley, 29, from Oldham, joined the Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship in October 2021, after deciding to take a new direction and build a career through hands-on learning.

“I joined the scheme at a real crossroads in my life. I didn’t have qualifications beyond GCSEs and knew an apprenticeship was the right way forward.I now work in signalling maintenance at Stockport as part of a combined faulting and maintenance team. We maintain a range of signalling assets and respond to faults as they arise, so no two days are the same.After completing the Level 3 apprenticeship, I considered the Level 6. Support and encouragement from colleagues and managers gave me the confidence to go for it.My focus now is on building my knowledge and progressing into a technician role. Being part of a large, multi-discipline cohort has shown me the range of opportunities available, and I’m excited about what’s ahead at Network Rail.”

Richard Turner, Network Rail’s head of apprenticeships, said: “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.”