Operations Management Graduate Review
at Network Rail
Graduate Scheme
Business Management, Business Operations, Customer Service, Data Analysis, Human Resources, Information Technology, Logistics and Operations, PR and Communications, Project Management, Recruitment, Sustainability
London
Review Submitted: July 2026
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of the Role
5/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Network Rail?
My time at Network Rail has been an excellent introduction to the wider UK railway sector. Over just six months, I travelled more than 7,500 miles through site visits, operational training, and professional development opportunities alongside my fellow graduate cohort.
While there were some initial challenges with getting started, the various business units were supportive throughout the programme and provided valuable learning experiences.
While there were some initial challenges with getting started, the various business units were supportive throughout the programme and provided valuable learning experiences.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
As a graduate, our primary responsibility is to learn. One of the biggest advantages of the Operations Management Graduate Scheme is the flexibility to gain experience across a range of functions rather than being confined to a single discipline. Graduates are actively encouraged to explore different areas of the business, helping to build a broad and well-rounded portfolio of experience.
This approach removes much of the pressure to secure a permanent role immediately, allowing us to focus on developing our skills, expanding our knowledge, and discovering where our strengths and interests lie. These experiences then help shape our long-term career pathways as we progress towards the end of the scheme.
This approach removes much of the pressure to secure a permanent role immediately, allowing us to focus on developing our skills, expanding our knowledge, and discovering where our strengths and interests lie. These experiences then help shape our long-term career pathways as we progress towards the end of the scheme.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
Graduates also have the opportunity to gain experience across a wide range of operational departments. This flexibility provides exposure to a variety of projects and allows us to contribute in meaningful ways across the business. From understanding the complexities of station management to working with external partners such as the British Transport Police on initiatives to deter trespass on the railway, there are opportunities to make a tangible impact in many different areas.
The breadth of experience available is one of the scheme's greatest strengths, offering valuable insight into how different parts of the railway come together to deliver a safe and reliable service.
The breadth of experience available is one of the scheme's greatest strengths, offering valuable insight into how different parts of the railway come together to deliver a safe and reliable service.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
While Network Rail's employee benefits package may be more modest as it originates from Railtrack which was private sector, it still offers a wide range of valuable staff discounts and concessions. These include up to 75% off rail season tickets and leisure travel, discounts at Network Rail managed stations, access to a variety of retail and leisure offers, and eligibility for wider industry benefits such as the Transport Benevolent Fund.
For those who regularly travel by rail, the discounted travel benefits are particularly valuable and can make a significant difference to the overall employee experience.
For those who regularly travel by rail, the discounted travel benefits are particularly valuable and can make a significant difference to the overall employee experience.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
One of the key drivers of career development in the rail industry is exposure to different people, functions, and parts of the business. The Operations Management Graduate Scheme provides this in abundance, offering opportunities to build networks and gain experience across a wide range of operational areas.
With the industry continuing to evolve and closer collaboration developing across different parts of the railway, the breadth of opportunities available to graduates is likely to continue expanding. This places the scheme in a strong position to equip future leaders with the experience, knowledge, and relationships needed to succeed in a changing rail sector.
With the industry continuing to evolve and closer collaboration developing across different parts of the railway, the breadth of opportunities available to graduates is likely to continue expanding. This places the scheme in a strong position to equip future leaders with the experience, knowledge, and relationships needed to succeed in a changing rail sector.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
A major strength of the scheme is the quality and breadth of the training provided. We recently completed a 12-week Initial Signaller Training (IST) programme, which gave us the opportunity to qualify as railway signallers and develop an understanding of working in a safety-critical operational role.
The programme covers 14 key elements of railway operations, providing valuable insight into how the industry develops the skills and competencies required to operate the network safely and effectively. Alongside this, we are also working towards a Chartered Management apprenticeship in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Railway Operators, further strengthening our leadership and management capabilities.
The combination of operational and professional qualifications provides a strong foundation for a career in the rail industry and reflects the scheme's commitment to investing in graduate development.
The programme covers 14 key elements of railway operations, providing valuable insight into how the industry develops the skills and competencies required to operate the network safely and effectively. Alongside this, we are also working towards a Chartered Management apprenticeship in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Railway Operators, further strengthening our leadership and management capabilities.
The combination of operational and professional qualifications provides a strong foundation for a career in the rail industry and reflects the scheme's commitment to investing in graduate development.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
Despite experiencing some initial challenges, the support I have received since joining Network Rail has been excellent. Structural changes within the scheme team, combined with consistently strong support from local management, helped ensure I got off to a positive start.
The support available across the organisation, both locally and peer-to-peer, has been comprehensive. My Line Manager, Buddy, Delivery Coach, and wider network of mentors have all played an important role in my development and have been approachable and supportive throughout the scheme.
The strength of this support network is reflected in the culture of the graduate programme itself. ALL members of our graduate cohort have chosen to become buddies for the next intake, helping to pass on the same guidance and support that we benefited from during our first year.
The support available across the organisation, both locally and peer-to-peer, has been comprehensive. My Line Manager, Buddy, Delivery Coach, and wider network of mentors have all played an important role in my development and have been approachable and supportive throughout the scheme.
The strength of this support network is reflected in the culture of the graduate programme itself. ALL members of our graduate cohort have chosen to become buddies for the next intake, helping to pass on the same guidance and support that we benefited from during our first year.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
The work-life balance on the graduate scheme has been excellent. There is a high degree of flexibility, and the business has been accommodating when it comes to balancing work commitments with training, development activities, and personal responsibilities.
In my experience, arrangements can be adapted to individual needs with minimal fuss, helping to create a supportive and sustainable working environment.
In my experience, arrangements can be adapted to individual needs with minimal fuss, helping to create a supportive and sustainable working environment.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
The organisational culture at Network Rail is one of the scheme's strongest features. There is a genuine sense of camaraderie across the business, particularly within the operational functions, which helps create a welcoming and supportive working environment.
Even during busy periods, colleagues are willing to make time to share their knowledge, experiences, and advice. As a graduate, this has been invaluable in helping me develop my understanding of the industry, build relationships, and learn from experienced professionals across the organisation.
Even during busy periods, colleagues are willing to make time to share their knowledge, experiences, and advice. As a graduate, this has been invaluable in helping me develop my understanding of the industry, build relationships, and learn from experienced professionals across the organisation.
How would you rate Network Rail initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
It is clear that Network Rail is committed to advancing equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across the organisation. There are a number of employee-led networks that provide practical support, raise awareness, and help colleagues access the resources and guidance they need.
As a member of the Disability Network, I have found this support particularly valuable. The network has helped me better understand workplace adjustments and the processes available for requesting them, while also providing access to advice and shared experiences from colleagues across the business.
Overall, the visibility of these initiatives and the support available through employee networks demonstrate a genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where people feel empowered to succeed.
As a member of the Disability Network, I have found this support particularly valuable. The network has helped me better understand workplace adjustments and the processes available for requesting them, while also providing access to advice and shared experiences from colleagues across the business.
Overall, the visibility of these initiatives and the support available through employee networks demonstrate a genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where people feel empowered to succeed.
How would you rate Network Rail CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Network Rail demonstrates a strong commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, with a wide range of social, environmental, ethical, and community initiatives running throughout the year. Volunteering opportunities, sustainability projects, and community engagement activities are regularly promoted internally, making it easy for employees to get involved.
As graduates, we have already taken part in several volunteering days and will soon be supporting a heritage railway as part of a community volunteering initiative. Opportunities like these not only allow us to give back to local communities but also provide valuable team-building experiences and help strengthen connections across the wider rail industry.
Overall, CSR is a visible and well-supported part of the organisation's culture, with plenty of opportunities for employees to make a positive impact beyond their day-to-day roles.
As graduates, we have already taken part in several volunteering days and will soon be supporting a heritage railway as part of a community volunteering initiative. Opportunities like these not only allow us to give back to local communities but also provide valuable team-building experiences and help strengthen connections across the wider rail industry.
Overall, CSR is a visible and well-supported part of the organisation's culture, with plenty of opportunities for employees to make a positive impact beyond their day-to-day roles.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Network Rail to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Network Rail to a friend, particularly anyone looking to build a long-term career in the rail industry. The graduate scheme provides excellent opportunities for learning, development, and exposure to different areas of the business, supported by a strong network of colleagues and mentors.
More broadly, I believe the UK rail sector showcases the country at its best. It is an industry driven by collaboration, public service, and innovation, with a shared purpose of connecting people, communities, and businesses across the nation. For those who are eager to learn, take on responsibility, and contribute to something that has a genuine impact on everyday life, it offers a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
More broadly, I believe the UK rail sector showcases the country at its best. It is an industry driven by collaboration, public service, and innovation, with a shared purpose of connecting people, communities, and businesses across the nation. For those who are eager to learn, take on responsibility, and contribute to something that has a genuine impact on everyday life, it offers a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
While it has been some time since I went through the recruitment process, the role itself has been broadly in line with my expectations. The graduate scheme has delivered the levels of training, exposure, and development opportunities that were outlined during recruitment, and has provided a realistic insight into operational management within the rail industry.
Overall, the experience has matched what I was looking for when applying and has offered a wide range of opportunities to learn and develop.
Overall, the experience has matched what I was looking for when applying and has offered a wide range of opportunities to learn and develop.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Network Rail?
My advice would be to ask plenty of questions and be proactive throughout the process. Network Rail is a large and complex organisation, so there may be occasions where information takes time to reach the right people or teams.
Being persistent, while remaining professional and patient, can help ensure you get the information and support you need. Once in the business, taking the initiative to build relationships and seek out opportunities can also make a real difference to your experience and development.
Being persistent, while remaining professional and patient, can help ensure you get the information and support you need. Once in the business, taking the initiative to build relationships and seek out opportunities can also make a real difference to your experience and development.
