Young People and Work: what the interim report adds to an ongoing rail conversation

This article has also been featured by Rail Business UK as part of a wider industry discussion on early careers and workforce challenges in rail. You can read the Rail Business Daily version here. If you are not already subscribed to the Rail Business UK newsletter, it's a useful way to keep up with rail industry news, commentary and developments from across the sector.

The Government’s Young People and Work: Interim Report comes at a time of growing concern about young people becoming disconnected from education and employment. The review warns that “we are at risk of a lost generation”, with figures showing more than one million 16-24 year olds are now not in education, employment or training - the highest level in more than 12 years.

Within rail, the challenge is already well recognised. NSAR’s Annual Rail Workforce Survey 2024 estimated the industry may need to replace between 22,000 and 90,000 workers by 2030, depending on retirement and attrition levels. The interim report highlights themes already familiar within early careers and skills programmes, particularly the importance of early exposure to opportunities, clearer pathways into work and meaningful employer engagement.

Young Rail Professionals (YRP) works across this space by supporting early-career development, industry awareness and professional confidence among people considering or starting a career in rail. As a non-profit organisation with free membership, YRP aims to make the industry more visible and accessible to the next generation through outreach, networking, technical learning and professional development.

Into Rail, delivered by YRP, forms part of that wider approach. Volunteers support school visits, university engagement and careers events, introducing young people to roles across the railway and drawing on experience from different parts of the industry.

Olive Lau, former Into Rail Manager at Young Rail Professionals, explained: “One of the biggest barriers for young people is simply understanding what opportunities exist. Rail is often seen as a single career path, when in reality it spans everything from operations and engineering to finance, software and project delivery. Giving young people direct access to people already working in the industry helps make those careers feel more tangible and achievable.”

Encouraging participation and engagement across the industry is critical. Whether you are an experienced professional, employer, apprentice or student, everyone has a role to play in supporting the future workforce. By volunteering, mentoring, hosting visits or simply sharing experiences, we can collectively help make rail more accessible, inclusive and inspiring for the next generation.

Closer collaboration between education and industry will remain an important part of addressing long-term workforce challenges. If your school, college or university would be interested in working with Young Rail Professionals on careers engagement, outreach or industry insight sessions, we would be pleased to hear from you: Contact Us

Read Sir Alan Milburn’s interim report for the Department for Work & Pensions in full here.