Mechanical Engineering Graduate Scheme Review
at Network Rail
Graduate Scheme
Mechanical Engineering
Bristol
Review Submitted: November 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of the Role
4.8/5
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Experience & Company Culture
4/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Network Rail?
I’m fortunate to have a line manager and team who are incredibly supportive and genuinely invested in my development. Network Rail has also assigned me a mentor to guide me towards achieving my engineering chartership. We’re given the flexibility to explore and gain insights into different areas of the business, even those outside our immediate remit, which has been invaluable for broadening my understanding.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
During my maintenance placement, I had the opportunity to join a wet bed repair job alongside frontline colleagues. It was a challenging shift, as we spent two hours shovelling ballast, but overall it was an excellent experience. It gave me a real appreciation for the hard work frontline teams put in to keep trains running safely.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
I feel fortunate because I’m essentially getting paid to learn, while also having opportunities to contribute to meaningful work and pursue areas that interest me. This makes me really happy with my team.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
75% off train ticket for leisure purpose which is really good. If they could review the pay for graduate for every year that would be brilliant.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
We had a lot of trainings and chances to gain hands on experience, and most of my colleague are very supportive to support my development.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
Every day on the graduate scheme is different. Sometimes there are unexpected challenges, and other times I have plenty of free time. Ultimately, it’s up to me to make the most of these opportunities and use my time effectively to gain the maximum benefit from the scheme.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
I receive a lot of supports from my line manager and my team.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
The contracted hour is 35 hours so the WLB is really good.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
Most people here are friendly and approachable, although there’s a tendency to avoid difficult conversations.
How would you rate Network Rail initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
As a minority, I generally don’t feel discriminated against.
How would you rate Network Rail CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Network Rail provides five days of volunteering leave, but uptake is currently low. It would be great to see more encouragement from the leadership team across the organisation to make better use of this benefit.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Network Rail is a great company to work for and offers excellent benefits. While there may be challenges towards the end of the graduate scheme as everyone competes for roles with higher pay, overall, I’m really enjoying my experience here.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
4/5
This is a safety-critical company, and that focus on safety is reflected in my day-to-day responsibilities.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Network Rail?
Make sure you understand the company’s culture and long-term vision. Take time to explore what the organisation aims to achieve over the next 10 years. Since safety is a core value here, think of examples from your past experience where you demonstrated safe behaviours, especially in response to incidents or situations that required attention to safety.
