Road and railway careers

With continued advancements in technology, sustainability, and automation, the road and railway industries are poised for growth, making them an attractive option for those looking to build a long-term career

Closely linked to national and international trade, urban mobility, and the transport of people, these industries are expected to evolve with advances in technology, automation, sustainability, and smart infrastructure.

Large sums of money, spread across a variety of projects, have been invested to upgrade journeys for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers, while part of the government's Levelling Up Fund has been earmarked to develop better transport links.

What jobs are available?

Vehicle operation and driving

bus driver
delivery driver
HGV/LGV driver
taxi/private hire driver.

Road management

fleet manager
logistics and supply chain manager
traffic management officer
urban mobility specialist.

Train and station operations

conductor/onboard supervisor
dispatcher
station assistant
train driver.

Rail engineering and infrastructure

civil engineer (rail)
overhead line technician
signal technician
track maintenance engineer.

Railway management and planning

project manager
rail operations manager
timetable planner.

Who are the key employers?

What's it like working in the road transport industry?

Shift work and irregular hours - many positions in the road transport industry, particularly driving or logistics, require shift work. This could mean long hours, nights, weekends, or early mornings. For example, long-haul truck drivers often work extended hours and may be away from home for several days or weeks at a time.
Highly regulated and safety-conscious - because road transport is so integral to daily life, strict safety standards and regulations apply. Drivers and other workers must adhere to these standards to ensure the safety of passengers, goods, and others on the road.
Stressful and time-sensitive - jobs like logistics planning or managing road maintenance can be stressful, as there's often a need for quick decision-making. Managing routes, solving delivery issues, or keeping track of road work schedules requires an organised, proactive mindset.
Physically demanding - jobs like road maintenance or driving can be physically demanding. For drivers, long periods of sitting or being away from home can cause discomfort or fatigue. However, many enjoy the sense of freedom and independence that comes with being on the road.
Opportunities for advancement - the road transport industry offers plenty of room for career growth. For example, a truck driver can move up to managerial roles or even into logistics planning or fleet management. Likewise, a road maintenance worker can become a supervisor or manager of construction teams.
Job security - with growing demands for goods delivery and the constant need for road maintenance, there鈥檚 a high demand for skilled workers. While the steady demand for logistics, freight, and infrastructure ensures job stability.

What can I expect from a career on the railway?

Structured yet varied - railway work is often more structured than road transport, as there are fixed schedules and routes. Whether you're a train driver or an engineer, your tasks tend to be clearly defined. However, working in the railway industry often requires strict adherence to protocols and safety procedures.
Indoor and outdoor roles - train drivers and conductors work both inside and outside. While you may spend a lot of time on the train, you will also be expected to manage inspections, safety checks, and assist with customer needs at train stations. Engineers and track maintenance workers spend more time in the field.
Shift work - similar to road transport, railway roles such as train driving and station operations often involve shift work. You may work nights, weekends, and holidays, especially for jobs in passenger services or long-distance freight transport.
Safety focused - like road transport, safety is paramount in the railway industry. Train drivers and engineers need to constantly monitor systems and adhere to operational guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure smooth travel.
Physically and mentally demanding - roles like train driving or engineering can be physically demanding. Train drivers need to stay alert for long hours, while engineers might need to work in challenging weather conditions or perform physically strenuous tasks.
Job security - the railway industry is relatively stable, with consistent demand for both passenger services and freight transport. Additionally, many rail companies offer good benefits, pensions, and opportunities for long-term employment.

What salaries are on offer?

HGV driver - expect a starting salary of 拢22,000 to 拢28,000 a year. This can rise up to 拢40,000 with experience. Long-haul drivers can earn between 拢35,000 and 拢45,000 per year.
Traffic management - starting salary of between 拢20,000 and 拢25,000, going up to 拢35,000 with experience.
Transport planner - you鈥檒l earn between 拢20,000 and 拢25,000 per year, as you become more senior this increases anywhere up to 拢40,000. Lead planners can command salaries of up to 拢60,000 per year. Read about being a transport planner.
Train driver - you'll start on 拢30,000 to 拢35,000 per year. With experience this can rise up to 拢50,000. Senior drivers can earn up to 拢70,000 per year.
Railway engineer - expect 拢25,000 to 拢30,000 when you first start out, increasing to 拢50,000 with experience and up to 拢70,000 at senior level.
Customer service representatives - start on a salary of 拢18,000 to 拢22,000, going up to 拢28,000 with experience.

These are a guide as salaries are dependent on the company, job role and your skills and experience. To find out more about salaries, see our transport and logistics job profiles.

Find out more

See what else the transport and logistics sector has to offer.