Network Rail

As a contractor Learning Designer at Network Rail's Learning Solutions and E&P department, I enjoyed working in a collaborative and supportive environment. I gained valuable insights into designing compliant, safe procedures critical in a high-stakes industry like rail infrastructure. The management team was approachable, providing clear guidance while encouraging creative problem-solving and autonomy. This balance fostered a sense of ownership and professional growth throughout my role.

The workplace culture was one of teamwork and respect. A strong focus on safety extended into all aspects of work, from design to delivery. Colleagues were always willing to share their knowledge, creating an inclusive environment where continuous learning and collaboration flourished.

One of the more challenging aspects of the job was ensuring that the highly technical content I was developing would be easily understood and implemented by a broad audience that included seasoned engineers as well as new trainees. Striking this balance required close attention to detail and ongoing feedback from stakeholders.
Despite the challenges, the most enjoyable part of the job was knowing that the learning materials I designed directly impacted safety and efficiency within the rail network. The satisfaction of creating engaging, competency-based courses that help ensure “Everyone home safe every day” was incredibly rewarding.
Overall, my experience at Network Rail was highly enriching, professionally and personally. I highly recommend the E&P department to anyone seeking a challenging yet supportive role in learning design.

So I worked for NWR for several months on contract project to fix some data.

Everything was broken when I arrived - my manager was stressed enough already with the data, he told me had cried at some points, it was in terrible state - there was clearly some issues going back. 

For example, my boss had to add dozens and dozens of balancing figures and additional rows going back years in order for the data to meet expectations and thus not disappoint disinterested senior management.

And then there was no help from senior management, who apparently did not care that we were trying to fix was a monumental issue.

Mainly because there was too many managers having too many meetings to have any responsibility or interest to care.

I had almost fixed patched things to go through avoiding any meetings that I thought wasn't core to the work and then I was let down for not attending meetings and not being involved in meetings - darn me for trying to fix things!

Stressful with no support from senior management. No guidance when asked . I found there was lack of team work .Frustration would set in with and why NR would accept uncompleted works planned of each day.
You can’t expect the inexperienced graduate or supervisors to resolve issues when they don’t know

The staff on the coal face needs to be updated with the process it takes to gain access to the infrastructure
A change needs to happen.employ experienced railway staff making them accountable and responsibility delivering quality work mentoring graduates and supervisors 

In this day and age of the railway There are to many supervisors and graduates that need hands on experience required to progress with their careers 

What is the best part of working at the company?
Good training and good pay if in right role but long unsociable hours my particular role was very high pressure as a lone worker 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Pressure from interested parties to get job done even thou limited resources at time. Not allways able to do

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Dealing with different company’s within the role it can  be difficult to complete task but on whole you are the one that completes to desired outcome and getting backing of employer 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Response so no day is same could be anywhere any time

Will brush any form of harrassment under the carpet. Either put up with it or be quiet as otherwise you'll find yourself without a job, and made to feel like the treatment is deserved.
Male dominated work force - so expect a be treated lesser than a man if you are female. 
Any complaints will not be taken seriously, and and instead you will be made out to be a liar, and your working hours affected with detriment to yourself. I would'nt bother eben applying to work here, let alone work for Network Rail.

Learned a lot about electrical and mechanical systems/machines ranging from PLC units, Airconditioners, chillers, Actuators, Motors, Points Heating, Earthing, UPS systems
My co-workers were great with high team working spirits. The hardest part of the job is maintenance of macerators and earthing replacement and the most enjoyable part of the job is the individual projects given to work on about different faults that arises from maintenance perspective.

I've worked for network rail for seven years now. I've had the opportunity to work on some of the major projects, including the largest rail project in Europe at the time, with themes link in the southern region; each project is completely different from the last as the signalling and traction system evolves and having this opportunity to help this evolve has been the highlight of my carrier. 

A typical day at work for me wasn’t typical. I had no plan nor structure given to me on my starting week in regards to my actual job.
Management are lacking in numbers. Management have agreed the workplace environment is toxic.
Hardest part of the day is being lied to about information about my own job and including annual leave and shifts and being told to get on with it or leave.
I have learned network rail protect themselves and if you happen to be a casualty of then misinformation then the blame is put on to you. 
I am very disappointed. 

I worked for Railtrack initially, then Network Rail for a period of 21 years. I started as a Signaller for 15 years and 6 years as a Level Crossing Manager. My recommendation for anyone looking to work in this industry is to join the operational or maintenance teams and avoid the management grades.

Nice place to work and very relaxed 
The package is not bad at all 
But wages are low at the working end of the company . 
Most people you work with are helpful friendly and considerate but you will get managers that are not so nice , and in some cases immature . 

Depends where you are based but in all pretty good job . 

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