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Rewarding you

We think it is important to reward our staff appropriately.

At RDG, we recognise the value of every employee and one way we reflect this is through our comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

  • 30 days annual leave
  • 75% reduction on UK rail travel (for work and leisure) - more below
  • Reduced international rail travel
  • Interest free season ticket loan
  • Contributory defined benefit pension scheme
  • Give As You Earn scheme
  • Subsidised private medical care
  • Healthcare cash plan scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme scheme
  • Flexible working
  • 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (subject to eligibility)
  • Personal Development Days
  • Employees may sell up to a maximum of five days’ leave.  Employees can buy up to a maximum of five days’ leave. These figures will be pro rata for part-time employees

Rail staff travel benefits

Rail Staff Travel Limited (RSTL) looks after the rail staff travel service on a national basis, enabling most staff in the rail industry to benefit from some level of concessionary travel. They provide a service to both employer and employees (active and retired) and issue cards and passes and deal with queries.

 

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Careers in Rail

Be part of transforming the Rail Industry

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At School

At Rail Delivery Group we offer work experience opportunities to Year 10 and Year 12 students who have an interest in the Railway.

These short work experience opportunities offer students a chance to meet employees across core departments and join specialists who will share insight into projects and programmes.

Students will also have an opportunity to attend a Depot or Station and meet the individuals that work there. Here are a few comments students have shared during their time with us:

  • I found it interesting to see the wide range of projects that the Rail Delivery Group is involved with and found that there was a lot more to the company and the industry than at first glance.
  • I found it an invaluable opportunity to see how a rail company works from the inside.
  • This week’s work experience has really made me appreciate the complex variety of jobs which make up a rail company and will help me in focusing my thoughts on a possible apprenticeship application.
  • ️I just wanted to thank you from me and my family for a fantastic week’s work experience with you and the team at Rail Delivery Group.
  • Everyone was extremely welcoming and helpful and did everything to make my week interesting but also relaxed.
Graduate Schemes

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are for both young people and adult learners, and typically last between one and four years.
Apprenticeships

They are a great way to gain a qualification whilst earning a salary, working on real projects and gaining real workplace experience. Rail offers a varied range of apprenticeships, including:

  • Business administration
  • Rail services (train drivers)
  • Customer service
  • IT and telecoms
  • Engineering
  • Railway operations
  • Leadership and management
Our members in the rail industry include passenger train operating companies, freight operating companies, Network Rail and the supply chain, and many offer a variety of apprenticeship opportunities across different parts of their business. They are keen for new people from all backgrounds to join them. Use the links at the bottom of the page to find out more.
  • National Apprenticeship Week
  • National Apprenticeship Week
  • National Apprenticeship Week

Graduate Schemes

Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme (REGS)

RDG Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme

At the Rail Delivery Group, we manage the Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme (REGS) for engineering undergraduates and graduates seeking a career in mechanical or electrical engineering with UK rail companies.

Rail companies - including passenger and freight operators - are looking to recruit engineering graduates across the country. Successful candidates join the Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme. The scheme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institute of Engineering and Technology, and offers a fast route towards Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status.

What we need from you:

  • A MEng or BEng degree accredited by the IMEchE or the IET
  • Ability to apply your engineering knowledge in an intensely practical environment
  • Good job mobility as placements will take you all over the country or even abroad
  • Self motivation, ability to innovate and to work well in teams
  • Prior knowledge of the railway industry is not required.

During your initial months on the scheme, you will be involved in all the varied fleet engineering aspects including maintenance, design, construction as well as the comprehensive technical aspects.

You will be expected to move on from your graduate role on to an engineering role within the company, building up on your competences to be able to apply for Chartered or Incorporated status.

As well as receiving support from RDG, you will be assigned a mentor who will be a senior engineer in the industry. Your mentor will monitor your progress and will offer counselling and advice throughout your time on the scheme.

REGS community

Our community offers developing engineers, mentors and senior engineers an opportunity to connect and learn through events and technical visits. Each year Rail Delivery Group hosts a conference where industry experts share their knowledge and experience on a specific theme. Hear from attendees at the 2024 conference below:
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Undergraduate placements (Year in Industry)

Rail Delivery Group offers 1 year placement opportunities to students looking for on the job engineering experience. As a Year in Industry, students will follow the first year of our Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme. During the placement year the role will experience the Rail Industry first-hand through a number of technical visits around the UK and an 8 week hands on placement at a Train Depot. Students must be studying a degree accredited by the Institution of Engineering Technology (IET) or the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (ImechE).
Kevin Zyka

Kevin Zyka

Year Placement Engineer at Rail Delivery Group

When I joined the Rail Delivery Group it was an exciting opportunity to take a break from my studies, further develop myself as an engineer, and explore an industry that was completely new to me. During my time there as a Year Placement Engineer, I learnt a great deal about rail whilst working with the engineering team, with a focus on fleet performance, depot incidents, railway accidents, the next generation of signalling, and the industry’s approach to different weather conditions.

Read more...

I was also a part of the Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme (REGS), which provided me with numerous opportunities, including training courses, visits to depots, visits to driving and signalling simulators, and getting involved in outreach activities at events and schools. Each of these experiences have been important to me as they have helped me develop my understanding of many areas in the industry and was a great chance to meet other people involved in REGS and start building my network. There are also many placements to help gain hands-on experience whilst on the scheme, including a depot placement, which I did for 8 weeks at Hornsey depot, courtesy of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which allowed me to gain a deeper insight into the work done to maintain trains and prepare them for service. I was also assigned a mentor, who has been a huge help and has provided me with valuable guidance, and being able to learn from his experiences has, and will be, beneficial whilst I work towards applying for a Chartered Engineering status with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) later on in my career.

Overall, I have really enjoyed my time at RDG and would consider a role in the rail industry in the future. I would also recommend this placement to any undergraduates interested in gaining valuable experience as an engineer.

Katerina Koronou

Katerina Koronou

Year Placement Engineer at Rail Delivery Group

Being an Integrated Engineering undergraduate looking for a year in industry placement, I was struggling to find a field in which my broad skillset would be utilised to its full potential. Somewhere I could fully test the extent of my engineering knowledge and explore the branches of engineering I could potentially have a career in proved surprisingly difficult to find.

Read more...

After applying for a placement with the Rail Delivery Group, I have come to realise that the railways are an industry that has this exact quality. Combining nearly all engineering disciplines, mechanical, electrical and civil to name a few, it really is the place to be if you have or want to develop a wide engineering skillset. Through an engineering Graduate or even Undergraduate position, I get to enjoy the perks of the REGS program, furthering my competencies and knowledge by participating in a multitude of educational courses and experiences that I definitely wouldn’t get the chance to experience in other industries. Even though I was reluctant initially, the railway has proved to me that it is a field I should be taking into serious consideration when planning my future career.

Attracting New Talent

We recognise that great talent doesn’t just fill roles — it transforms them. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take a bold next step, we offer opportunities where your ambition is matched by genuine impact. From early-careers programmes and apprenticeships to graduate entry and experienced hires, we provide clear pathways into a diverse, dynamic industry.
At RDG, you’ll work alongside passionate professionals, be exposed to real-world projects, and receive the support and resources to grow both personally and professionally. We value fresh ideas and encourage innovation. If you’re motivated, curious and ready to help shape the future, we’d love to hear from you.

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Our vacancies in Rail

Be part of transforming the Rail Industry

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Our current vacancies

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to unsuccessful candidates. If you have not heard from us within 20 days of the advert closing, we are afraid you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Train companies and freight operators have their own careers pages. For a round-up of vacancies and links to each operator, please check out our Train company careers page.

Working at RDG

At Rail Delivery Group (RDG), we're committed to creating an inclusive environment for all individuals. We want to attract candidates from every background irrespective of culture or belief, instilling camaraderie in the workplace, whereby the integration of individual thoughts and values are encouraged. We strive to avoid and challenge discrimination against individuals with regard to gender, race, colour, religious beliefs, national origin, age, disability, sexual or relationship orientation.

At School

About RDG

We partner with Britain’s train operators to put customers at the heart of everything we do, delivering essential services and dedicated experts who keep the nation’s railway running efficiently.

Our railway connects people and places, creates jobs, boosts the economy, and provides a greener way to travel. Anyone who has travelled by train or booked a journey for friends or family, will have used our services. We are integral to the running of the railway and play a crucial part at every stage of the customer journey. 

From journey information, reservations and Railcards to improving performance, safety and accessibility, we drive the services and people that keep the railway moving – making sure we are delivering a better railway for all our customers, now and in the future. 

RDG exists to unify, challenge and change.

At School

RDG’s values, known as ASPIRE, are Accountability, Support, Partnership, Inclusive, Respect and Excellence. Our values form an integral part of our recruitment, performance and recognition processes.

RDG supports Smart Working arrangements. As part of our smart working principles, we have adopted the hybrid style of working which allows employees the freedom to split more of their time between the home and office. We believe this improves productivity through a focus on outputs and enables a better work life balance for all our employees.

Find out more about: Rail Delivery Group,our values, and the benefits available to our staff.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of each train operator's vacancies. For more positions, you will need to visit their individual websites (links below).

Train company career pages

  • c2c

  • Caledonian Sleeper (Serco)

  • Chiltern Railways (DB)

  • CrossCountry (DB)

  • East Midlands Railway

  • Eurostar

  • Gatwick Express

  • Grand Central

  • Great Northern

  • Great Western Railway

  • Greater Anglia

  • Heathrow Express

  • Hull Trains

  • London & North Eastern Railway

  • London Northwestern Railway

  • London Overground

  • Merseyrail

  • Network Rail

  • Northern

  • Rail Delivery Group

  • ScotRail

  • Southeastern

  • Southern

  • South Western Railway

  • TFL Rail

  • Thameslink

  • TransPennine Express

  • Transport for Wales Rail

  • Virgin Trains

  • West Midlands Railway

Day in the life of people in RDG

Each member of our team is valued and recognised for their contribution and the individual qualities they bring to making RDG an exciting and enjoyable place to work.

But don’t just take our word for it. See what some of our colleagues have to say about why the Rail Delivery Group is a great place to work.
  • Nicola Parker

    Nicola Parker

    I’ve worked in communications my whole career and absolutely love it. My first graduate job was at a PR agency, based above the tube station in Covent Garden, and my roles since then have covered corporate communications, events, marketing and strategic communications.

    • Read more...

      The last few years I’ve spent working with a range of companies on freelance contracts, juggling work around my three young children. I took on a six-month contract at the Rail Delivery Group, where I was told by countless colleagues how hard it is to leave! Turns out they were right, and in December I took on a permanent role as of Head of Strategic Communications as a job share with Paul Miller.

      It's the first role of its kind at RDG, and so far we’re happy with how it’s going. I work Monday – Wednesday and Paul works Wednesday – Friday; we use our crossover day to handover, plan, and meet with the team to check everything is on track.

      The job share allows me to be around more for my children, but also work in a role I love and for an organisation I feel proud to be a part of. I enjoy coming into the office – it’s such a friendly team, and meeting with colleagues face to face always feels productive, not to mention my camera roll full of sunrises taken from Blackfriars Bridge!

  • Grace Nabatanzi

    Grace Nabatanzi

    I have been with RDG for almost 2 and a half years as a Programme Manager, I have been in the Rail/ transport industry for over 10 years in similar project delivery roles. I have been lucky enough to always have had flexible working arrangements with all my previous employers and was really happy that RDG chose to honour and also allow the same flexible working arrangement in place from the beginning of my employment.

    • Read more...

      I currently have a flexible working arrangement where I do a 9-day fortnight with compressed hours throughout the week. This arrangement has been massively beneficial as it has allowed me to be able to have a better work-life balance, this is especially important to me as it allows me to meet commitments to my family and take care of other personal commitments that would otherwise be a challenge if not impossible to do without this flexibility. It is a massive help and has made a significant impact on the quality of my life and career.

      The level of flexibility that RDG offers is very impressive, this coupled with all the ways the company supports us with our development, whether it is generous learning and development funding, personal development days and professional membership sponsorship, all these things coupled with flexible working arrangements that encourage us to push ourselves and apply ourselves without sacrificing personal responsibilities and commitments is vert progressive and important for the sector to grow and retain the best talent.

  • Paul Miller

    Paul Miller

    I have spent the majority of my career at Rail Delivery Group, having always worked in marketing and communications in travel and sport, I was completely new to the rail industry world and didn’t expect to spend the best part of a decade at RDG.

    • Read more...

      Thanks to RDG’s vital role in an industry that has so much interest, there is always appetite for stories and small ideas can achieve huge engagement and coverage. My roles have allowed me to work on a huge range of comms activity, from celebrating the industry’s green credentials at COP26, to branding and helping create a new rail company.

      RDG has been hugely supportive to help me both develop in my career, giving me opportunities in new roles and training to ensure I succeed in them. They have also provided incredible flexibility and support which has allowed me to enjoy being a dad, while still progressing in my career.

      Since being at RDG, I have been fortunate enough to have two sons and was supported in taking shared parental leave, allowing me to enjoy those early months and recover from the sleepless nights.

      Since returning to work after my second son, RDG supported my decision to go down to a 3 day week so I can spend as much time playing and wrestling with my lads, but also RDG didn’t allow this change to impact my career progression and I recently became Head of Communications in RDG’s first job share, with Nicola which is a fantastic experience, being a mini team in one role.

      A lot of companies talk about being inclusive and supportive, but RDG truly walks the walk and will always try to support staff, which I am truly thankful for and also the reason I will most likely make it to a decade at this company.

  • Raye Fullard

    Raye Fullard (she/they)

    I’ve worked in the rail industry since 2014 and joined RDG in 2019. I am currently the Diversity and Inclusion Manager, and my role focuses on ensuring we maintain an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive, looking after the staff networks at RDG and providing support and guidance to employees around EDI matters.

    • Read more...

      I primarily work from home and only come into the office when necessary. This flexibility has allowed me to manage my workload more effectively whilst maintaining a good work-life balance. It has also improved my overall wellbeing and job satisfaction as, being someone who is neurodivergent, it reduces unnecessary commuting time and allows me to work in an environment that best supports my productivity. Having this level of flexibility helps me to focus better, manage my energy levels, and adapt to changing demands easily.

      Without flexible working I would likely experience higher stress levels and reduced efficiency. The ability to structure my work environment and schedule in a way that supports my needs is key! I appreciate the supportive and inclusive culture at RDG. The flexibility, understanding colleagues, and commitment to diversity make it a great place to work. There is a strong emphasis on work-life balance, and RDG values the different strengths and perspectives that each employee brings, which helps create a more positive and productive workplace.

  • Azmyr Raja

    Azmyr Raja

    I’m a User Experience Advisor on the Passenger Assist team, and I joined RDG beginning of this year (2025). My background is in user experience and product research, with a focus on improving digital and real-world interactions for a diverse range of users. My role involves understanding staff needs and working to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of the assistance experience.

    • Read more...

      I work in a hybrid model, which means I don’t have to be in the office every day. This allows me to work independently and efficiently, balancing focused deep work with collaborative sessions when needed. Having this flexibility has helped me maintain a better work-life balance while still being fully engaged with my role.

      If flexible working wasn’t an option, it would be difficult for me to travel two hours each day just to get to the office. That additional commute time would impact my productivity and energy levels, making it harder to focus on delivering the best work possible. Having the option to work remotely means I can use my time more effectively and stay engaged without the strain of long daily commutes.

      One of the things I appreciate most about working at RDG is the supportive and collaborative environment. Everyone is willing to help out, answer questions, and offer context and advice, which makes learning and adapting much easier. There’s a real "teach them how to fish" approach, where colleagues empower each other with knowledge rather than just quick fixes. This kind of culture makes it a great place to grow, problem-solve, and contribute meaningfully.

  • Sheila Nazir

    Sheila Nazir

    I truly enjoy my role at the Rail Delivery Group, thanks to the lively and supportive environment and the fantastic colleagues I have the pleasure of working alongside and learning from. I've been part of the Digital Publishing team for ten years, initially stepping in as a maternity cover before being offered a permanent position. I started my career as an Ad Ops Manager and have progressed to my current role as Senior Digital Operations Manager throughout the years.

    • Read more...

      What I value most about RDG is its flexibility and dedication to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The company promotes a strong work ethic while giving employees the option to choose their work environment, which has been incredibly beneficial for me. Each day is different, and I genuinely enjoy being part of a team that keeps growing and adapting.

  • John Backway

    John Backway

    I’m Head of Digital Ticketing Services and I lead a team which oversees the delivery and operation of back-office and other technical services which support the industry’s migration towards digital ticketing. I’ve worked in various roles in the rail industry for a number of years, including in retail and business development roles at train operating companies. I joined Rail Delivery Group in 2022.

    • Read more...

      RDG’s culture is very strong. It’s a close knit team and people support each other. It is a friendly organisation with an accessible and approachable executive team. The work is interesting and varied. We punch well above our weight in the rail industry, supporting a huge range of vital rail industry systems and processes. We also bring different organisations together, ensuring that the disparate parts of the system work better together. We’re small, but with a big reach.

  • Manuela Mossa

    Manuela Mossa

    I joined RDG in 2015 as Advertising Operations Executive and, after being promoted, now work as Digital Operations Manager. My role focuses on driving additional revenue for National Rail while ensuring a seamless customer experience and maintaining brand safety. Working at RDG enhances my expertise daily, combining analytical and creative aspects of digital advertising into an exciting and rewarding challenge.

    • Read more...

      One of the most impactful aspects of RDG’s flexible working policy was the ability to work remotely from Italy during my mum’s battle with cancer. Being able to adapt my schedule during such a challenging time allowed me to stay productive while also being present for my family when they needed me most. Even after the pandemic, I continue to benefit from the option to work from home, which has further enhanced my efficiency and well-being. This level of support has been invaluable, reinforcing my appreciation for RDG’s commitment to employee well-being and flexibility.

      The ability to adjust my schedule reduces stress, boosts productivity, and allows me to manage unexpected situations effectively. During difficult times, such as my mum’s battle with cancer, remote work allowed me to support my family while continuing to meet my work commitments.

      RDG’s commitment to innovation and improving the passenger experience adds excitement and purpose to the work we do, making it a rewarding place to grow both personally and professionally. But what I value most about RDG is the supportive, collaborative culture where everyone feels valued and empowered. The focus on flexibility, teamwork, and collaboration fosters a positive environment. It’s the people at RDG who truly make it special.

  • Phil Harrison

    Phil Harrison

    I work as Senior Internal Communications Manager at RDG. I joined six years ago following an early career as a national newspaper journalist and then communications specialist across the transport industry.

    • Read more...

      In April 2024, I took 30 weeks of paid shared parental leave (SPL) for the birth of my daughter. At a previous employer, I had had to use annual leave to get a fortnight with my newborn son so the contrast was stark. The SPL allowed me to build a strong bond with my daughter. Most days were spent walking with her in the carrier and doing school runs with her older brothers.

      At first, when considering SPL, I worried about what people at work would think and how projects would continue without me there – but my manager was very supportive and I’ve found the return to work much easier than I thought it would be.

      Put simply, if flexibility wasn’t an option at RDG, I wouldn’t be able to work here. I love the fact that I can attend school plays, help with school drop offs in the morning and be at home for dinner thanks to predominantly working from home. When I was office based, I found it difficult to focus on tasks due to being a ‘go to’ resource within the office. Smart working allows me to collaborate while I’m in the office, but gives me time to focus on important work when I’m at home (without the need for a daily four-hour commute).

      RDG has a great workplace culture that ensures staff live and breathe inclusive values. It’s all well and good businesses talking about being progressive, but RDG has introduced and promoted progressive policies, like paid SPL, to support working parents.

Employee Networks

The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) brings together the companies that run Britain’s railway into a single team with one goal - to deliver a better railway for you and your community.

Our employee network groups support this, by providing opportunities to meet and socialise with like-minded people; a chance to get involved in mentoring, share best practice and gain experiences and develop skills you might not get the chance to do in your day job. Find out more about our groups on this page.
  • Carers Community

    Carers Community

    The Carer's Community has been set up by a small group of volunteers from within RDG who have, between them, a wide variety of experiences and responsibilities caring for family or friends.

    The group aims to provide support to unpaid carers employed at RDG, to raise awareness of caring and to help people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access support.

  • Christian Fellowship Group

    Christian Fellowship Group

    The aim of the Christian Fellowship is to support and encourage each other and the wider organisation through our Christian faith. Meetings are informal where we discuss and study the Bible, pray for and encourage each other. We also organise the Chaplain’s visits and drop-ins from the Railway Mission throughout the year.

    Anyone is welcome to join the group – whether you are already a believer or would just like to find out more about the Christian faith.

  • Disability Awareness Network

    Disability Awareness Network

    Our Disability Awareness Network ran its first “Disability Awareness Week” in November 2019, which aimed to highlight how a range of disabilities can affect employees. It now hosts regular coffee mornings with external speakers.

    The group also works to ensure colleagues with visible, or invisible, disabilities have access to all the adjustments they may need to enable them to work effectively.

  • Embrace - Minority Ethnic Network

    Embrace - Minority Ethnic Network

    This group focuses on diversity and inclusion so that we can attract and retain a more diverse workforce, whilst being inclusive in our approaches. Our Minority Ethnic network – “Embrace” - aims to provide a space for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic employees to discuss, question, challenge and make recommendations where necessary to promote race equality and diversity across RDG.

    Other members of staff who actively believe in the promotion of race equality, diversity and inclusion can also join Embrace to influence change at RDG and the industry.

    For Black History Month in 2020, Embrace members produced several blogs that you may find interesting:

  • Empower

    Empower

    Empower is an employee network for women and non-binary people in RDG. Although it tackles specific challenges for women, it’s an inclusive group and we welcome everyone else to join as allies.

    Our purpose is to empower women and non-binary people in RDG by creating a positive space to share experiences, tools and strategies that can help each other build confidence to tackle challenges that we face in the workplace and achieve career goals and ambitions.

  • The Inclusion Forum

    The Inclusion Forum

    The Inclusion Forum has representation from the Network Leads, HR, Internal Comms, and the Exec team, as well as colleagues representing all areas of the business.

    A core focus of the group is to dissect some of the verbatim comments made in the latest EDI survey to drill down into the issues that matter most to colleagues across the business.

    The group will also be looking at the recommendations made by the Equal Group. They will then propose a series of recommendations to the Exec Team, and once they have been approved, these will be shared with the rest of the business.

  • Mental Health Awareness Group (MHAG)

    Mental Health Awareness Group (MHAG)

    The MHAG aims to to change the way we all think and act about mental health in the workplace. The group has created an Employer Action Plan which puts in place best-practice interventions and policy to help our employees work in ways that promote positive mental wellbeing. Our Group meets monthly and is here to support colleagues with issues relating to wellbeing.

    We also have a group of trained Mental Health First Aiders at RDG, who are available should employees need someone to speak to confidentially. As an organisation, we have signed Time to Change’s Employer Pledge, advertising our commitment to improve the mental health conversation in our workplace.

  • Platform - Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT+) Network

    Platform - Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT+) Network

    Platform is the employee network for LGBT+ people at RDG with a vision that everyone should be able to bring their whole selves to work. The network aims to provide support and advice for LGBT+ people as well as organise informal social gatherings with colleagues and groups from across the rail industry.

    The group also host events for all colleagues to find out more about LGBT+ issues.

FAQs

  • Who is RDG?

    The Rail Delivery Group is an organisation that brings together railway companies, to help them to deliver better services for customers. We bring together passenger train operators, freight train operators, as well as railway infrastructure companies Network Rail, High Speed 1 and HS2. Together with the rail supply industry, we are working to change and improve, and secure prosperity in Britain now and in the future. Find out more about RDG.

  • How long has RDG been around?

    RDG was previously known as ATOC (Association of Train Operating Companies). ATOC was set up after privatization in 1993, to preserve and enhance the benefits for passengers of Britain's national rail network. In 2011, it was joined by RDG to provide policy formulation and communications on behalf of the entire industry. Then by October 2016, the single name of Rail Delivery Group was adopted to describe the organisation as a whole and all our activities.
  • What benefits does RDG offer?

    • 26 days annual leave (plus bank holidays, Christmas shopping leave, Moving House day)
    • 75% reduction on UK rail travel (for work and leisure)
    • 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave
    • Personal Development Days

    And much more!

  • How many employees are in RDG?

    We are currently at a headcount of approximately 300 employees.
  • What staff groups exist within RDG?

    We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workforce here at RDG, and have various employee networks to encourage this.

Rewarding You

We think it is important to reward our staff appropriately.

At RDG, we recognise the value of every employee and one way we reflect this is through our comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

  • 30 days annual leave
  • 75% reduction on UK rail travel (for work and leisure) - more below
  • Reduced international rail travel
  • Interest free season ticket loan
  • Contributory defined benefit pension scheme
  • Give As You Earn scheme
  • Subsidised private medical care
  • Healthcare cash plan scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme scheme
  • Flexible working
  • 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (subject to eligibility)
  • Personal Development Days
  • Employees may sell up to a maximum of five days’ leave.  Employees can buy up to a maximum of five days’ leave. These figures will be pro rata for part-time employees

Rail staff travel benefits

Rail Staff Travel Limited (RSTL) looks after the rail staff travel service on a national basis, enabling most staff in the rail industry to benefit from some level of concessionary travel. They provide a service to both employer and employees (active and retired) and issue cards and passes and deal with queries.

 

Developing Skills for the Industry

The National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) was established with wide railway industry support to help tackle current and future skills needs within the railway engineering industry. Whilst it doesn’t deliver training, it works with employers to understand their skills needs, with training providers to ensure they are delivering what the industry needs and with other stakeholders, such as sector skills bodies and Government, to make sure that the industry has the right qualifications to support its vision.

The Train Drivers Academy developed from one of the industry strategic plans being led by RDG. It aims to improve the recruitment, training and the management of train drivers, with a virtual academy and a network of training providers.

RDG also hosts the Rail HR Directors Forum. This group is looking at where the industry needs to be in 10 years in relation to key grade groups and key skills, as well as promoting the success, relevance, attractiveness and stability of employment in rail.

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Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme (REGS)

At the Rail Delivery Group, we manage the Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme (REGS) for engineering undergraduates and graduates seeking a career in mechanical or electrical engineering with UK rail companies.

Rail companies - including passenger and freight operators - are looking to recruit engineering graduates across the country. Successful candidates join the Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme. The scheme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institute of Engineering and Technology, and offers a fast route towards Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status.

What we need from you

  • A MEng or BEng degree accredited by the IMEchE or the IET
  • Ability to apply your engineering knowledge in an intensely practical environment
  • Good job mobility as placements will take you all over the country or even abroad
  • Self motivation, ability to innovate and to work well in teams

Prior knowledge of the railway industry is not required.

During your initial months on the scheme, you will be involved in all the varied fleet engineering aspects including maintenance, design, construction as well as the comprehensive technical aspects.

You will be expected to move on from your graduate role on to an engineering role within the company, building up on your competences to be able to apply for Chartered or Incorporated status.

As well as receiving support from RDG, you will be assigned a mentor who will be a senior engineer in the industry. Your mentor will monitor your progress and will offer counselling and advice throughout your time on the scheme.

How to apply

To apply for an engineering graduate role, please send your CV and cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applications are forwarded to the train companies throughout the year.

What some of our graduates say

Sandra Armanous

Year Placement Engineer at Rail Delivery Group

I became interested in the railway after I read articles about it in the IMechE’s Professional Engineering magazine. I also had a mentor from my university (Queen Mary University of London) who worked on the Four Line Modernisation project, and this encouraged me to consider a career in the industry.

Joining Rail Delivery Group as a Year Placement Engineer has definitely confirmed my interest in rail. This opportunity has also broadened my awareness and knowledge of different categories in rail such as standards, depot incidents, fleet reliability, and COVID-19!

Being enrolled in the Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme (REGS) has further enriched my experience thanks to the numerous and diverse opportunities available. From getting involved in outreach activities to completing training courses, this has all given me an opportunity to develop my competencies and network.

Having a mentor is also very beneficial as I get to learn from my mentor’s experience and receive guidance to help me prepare for my Chartership application with the IMechE.

I would highly recommend the scheme to anyone who is curious about the railways, enjoys problem-solving, and would like to get involved in impactful work.

Jack Evans

Management Graduate (Engineering), Great Western Railway

Since a very young age I have always been extremely passionate about the railways.

I feel proud to be an employee of Great Western Railway as a Management Graduate in the engineering department. I am based at St Philips Marsh Depot in Bristol and have loved every second so far.

I am a part of the Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme (REGSs), where I have attended several technical training courses so far with other REGS graduates from other train companies. This is a good way of networking with people at the same level as myself.

The REGS technical courses are superb. The first one I attended was a crash course on all things relating to traction and rolling stock - this helped iron out any knowledge gaps regarding the fundamental build up of a train.

I was lucky enough to have a space on the first ever Rolling Stock Software integration course run by REGS. This was brilliant – software is everywhere in modern rolling stock, and knowing core information assists us developing engineers in being able to know what questions we really need to ask in order to improve, and also in the future we may be in a position where we are required to write a software specification for a new fleet.

I am enjoying my role very much and look forward to developing my people and engineering management skills further.

 

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