YRP helps Derby students explore rail careers at iRail: Rail Futures

Around 60 students from the University of Derby and Derby College explored careers in rail at iRail: Rail Futures at the Roundhouse on 2 November 2026. Rail Forum organised the event in collaboration with East Midlands Railway, Derby College, the University of Derby and Enspired Consulting. The programme gave students a chance to try engineering activities, practise interview skills and meet employers working across the railway.

YRP’s East Midlands Committee helped open the day by leading the icebreaker sessions. James Fletcher (Enspired Consulting), Joel Annobil (IKOS Consulting UK), Katie Page (DG8 Design) and Matthew McIlroy (DG8 Design) shared how they got into rail, what they enjoy about their roles and what they’ve learnt along the way. They also offered practical advice on finding opportunities to gain experience and meet people in the industry while still studying.

The rest of the programme gave students a chance to put those stories in context. They could speak directly to employers about the different kinds of engineering work available and use the interview workshop to prepare for applying. A behind-the-scenes visit to East Midlands Railway’s Etches Park Depot showed them another side of the industry: the maintenance and engineering work that keeps passenger trains in service.

Thank you to our four volunteers for sharing their experience, to East Midlands Railway for opening up its depot and to Rail Forum and its partners for bringing the day together. We’re also grateful to the employers and education teams who gave students their time and helped them see where a career in rail could take them.

If you’re exploring a career in rail, YRP membership is free. See what’s coming up on our events page.