The challenges and rewards of railway jobs

Over the course of the past two centuries, the railway industry has evolved to connect communities, countries, and economies around the world. But is working on the railway a good job?

This article will offer TRS Staffing Solutions’ (TRS) expert insight into the nature of rail jobs, the industry outlook, and the pros and cons of a career in this sector. 

We’ll also help to point you in the direction of resources where you can find railway jobs to suit your career trajectory and skill set.

Is working on the railway a good job?

Railway industry overview

Rail continues to be one of the world’s most efficient and relied-upon modes of transport. 

According to the IEA, both passenger and freight activity is expected to more than double by 2050, indicating that the demand for rail travel will not be slowing down.

At TRS, qualified professionals are in high demand in the railway sector and we recruit for a myriad of positions, like:

• Rail manager and technician
• Senior quantity surveyor
• HSE advisor or engineer
• Planning engineer
• Site quality supervisor
• Structural engineer
• Human resources
• Account consultant

The future of rail is ripe with potential for growth—and professionals with the right skill set can certainly find rewarding careers in this industry. 

There are, however, also some challenges shaping the rail industry that are worth being informed about.

Rewards of railway jobs

1. Career growth

You might be wondering what jobs there are on the railway—and there is no singular answer. 

Rail jobs are plentiful and varied, spanning disciplines such as engineering, finance, technology, HR, and management.

This is one of the exciting aspects of working in rail, there is high potential to pivot and be promoted as your career matures. It is a competitive industry, too, so knowing how to make yourself stand out to potential employers is pivotal.

2. Impact and contribution

By its very nature, working in rail means you are contributing to a sector that centres around growth and connection. 

Rail networks represent a vital part of global development and have the potential to radically impact communities in a positive, tangible way—particularly in developing countries.

TRS Staffing recruits for rail jobs worldwide—including nations like India, where railway development is currently at a crucial and exciting time.

3. Innovation and development

Due to the ever-evolving nature of technological advances, the railway industry has always—and continues to be—shaped by forces of innovation.

One needs only look as far as China’s network of high-speed bullet trains connecting provinces—some that were incredibly isolated just a matter of years ago—to see the impact.

This is an exciting industry for those who are motivated to work amidst groundbreaking technological advances.

4. Job security and stability

By now, it’s clear that the rail industry is a resilient one and that, as a result, rail jobs are incredibly secure and promise stability for those who choose to pursue this career.

Potential challenges faced in railway jobs

1. Technological

While innovations continue to shape the industry in profound and positive ways, some fear that the risk of automation will one day make many rail jobs obsolete.

That said, rail careerists who stay up to date with the latest technologies and find proficiency amongst the new advancements will be well-positioned to stay at the forefront of professional opportunities within the field.

2. Regulatory and compliance

Strict regulations apply to the rail industry and professionals are often required to hold a number of certifications pertaining to health and safety. While this may appear as a barrier to entry for some, it is in fact a crucial aspect of safety on the job for anyone who works on the railway.

3. Operational

Since many railway networks operate 24/7, it is fair to say that some rail jobs may pose operational challenges for employees. 

Long working hours and night shifts are the reality for many rail jobs, but thanks to the diversity of jobs available, it is very possible to select a role that best suits your schedule, lifestyle, and preferences.

Find rewarding rail jobs with TRS

At TRS Staffing, we are experienced with and passionate about matching qualified professionals with their ideal position. 

Whether you’re looking to switch sectors or advance your existing rail career, you can take your working life to the next level by exploring TRS’s rail jobs today.