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- Tasks: Gain valuable work experience and training in the rail industry.
- Company: Network Rail, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Free training, work placements, and support for career development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a rewarding and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Open to women returning to work or seeking a career change.
- Other info: Placement runs from 10-14 November 2025 in Cardiff.
Overview
If you\’re thinking about returning to work or looking for an opportunity to discover your full potential, then this could be the opportunity you\’ve been waiting for. At Network Rail, we\’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We\’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we\’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the process.
Brief Description
Never Mind the Gap is a Women in Rail initiative designed to provide free training and work placements for women who want to get their career on track. You\’ll have the chance to get work experience at Network Rail and Transport for Wales, who are excited about showing you how rewarding a career in rail can be. There will be a one-week placement, including training, covering topics such as an introduction to rail, building confidence, interview skills/CV writing and many more!
About the role (External)
Who is this placement available to? Women who want to get their career on track after time out of the workplace. You may have had a career break, been on maternity leave, encountered redundancy or are looking for a career change. People who are currently employed are welcome to apply but must be able to complete the programme in full. Candidates must be a minimum age of 18 years.
Placement information
- The placement will take place from Monday 10 November 2025 to Friday 14 November 2025.
- Location: Mainly Cardiff, with a day visit to Newport.
- You must be available to attend the full placement. The days will usually run from 09.00am to 15.00pm and you must be able to travel to Cardiff St Patricks House (opposite Cardiff Central railway station) – any further travel to our different sites will be arranged for you.
What does the recruitment process look like?
During this process, we will invite you for an informal suitability chat by phone, where we\’ll discuss more about the opportunity and it\\\’s also a chance for us to find out more about you, your ambitions, your aspirations and interest in the rail industry.After the conversation, the team will then be in touch with next steps. You will be contacted to confirm whether you are successful for the placement and relevant feedback will be provided.
Additional Information
At Network Rail, safety is our highest priority. We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs and alcohol for all individuals working on or around the railway, including those on work placements. You must not attend any placement with Network Rail under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or with any substances in your system that could
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Never Mind the Gap Programme (Cardiff) - Expression of Interest employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Never Mind the Gap Programme (Cardiff) - Expression of Interest
✨Tip Number 1
Get ready for that informal chat! This is your chance to shine, so think about what you want to say about your ambitions and why you're interested in the rail industry. We recommend jotting down a few key points to keep you focused during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Reach out to others who have been through similar programmes or work in the rail industry. We can help you connect with people who can offer insights and maybe even tips on landing that placement.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your experiences, even if they’re not directly related to rail. We all have transferable skills, so think about how your past roles or life experiences can contribute to the team at Network Rail. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Never Mind the Gap Programme (Cardiff) - Expression of Interest
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your story and what makes you passionate about returning to work in the rail industry.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role you're applying for. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that relate to the rail industry or the specific training you'll receive during the placement. We love seeing how your background can fit into our world!
Show Your Enthusiasm: Express your excitement about the opportunity! Let us know why this programme is important to you and how it aligns with your career goals. A little enthusiasm goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to join the rail industry and what excites you about this opportunity. Being able to articulate your passion for the role will show the interviewer that you're genuinely interested and motivated.
✨Research the Company
Familiarise yourself with Network Rail and its values, especially their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Understanding their mission and recent initiatives will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re aligned with their goals.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Prepare for common interview questions related to your career break or transition. Think about how your past experiences can contribute to the role. Practising with a friend or in front of a mirror can boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your interest and engagement. You might want to inquire about the training topics or how they support women returning to work. It’s a great way to leave a positive impression.