A new industry-wide commitment has been launched to help more young people access jobs, training and long-term careers across Britain’s railway.
The Rail Youth Promise was unveiled at a parliamentary reception on 15 July 2026, bringing together leaders from Network Rail, train operators, rail supply-chain businesses and youth organisations.
The initiative is aimed at improving the representation of 16 to 24-year-olds in the rail workforce. Young people currently make up around 6% of railway employees, compared with approximately 12% of the UK population.
The new charter has been introduced as the industry prepares for the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 and seeks to build a workforce with the skills needed for the future.
Built around the commitments to Inspire, Hire, Learn, Grow and Connect, the Rail Youth Promise will focus on raising awareness of railway careers, creating clearer routes into employment and helping young workers develop and progress.
The launch comes as several rail companies introduce new opportunities for students and school-leavers.
Govia Thameslink Railway has recruited six students into part-time on-board supervisor roles, allowing them to gain workplace experience and earn money while continuing their studies.
South Western Railway is also preparing to welcome its latest group of leadership and engineering apprentices in September, while Southeastern is expected to launch work-experience placements for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A recent change in the law has also lowered the minimum age for train drivers from 20 to 18. The change came into force on 30 June 2026 and is expected to create an additional route into one of the industry’s most skilled professions.
Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, said the Rail Youth Promise showed that the industry was serious about making opportunities available to more young people.
She said lowering the minimum age for train drivers would allow young people to enter the profession earlier and help create the workforce the railway needs in the years ahead.
Ruth Busby OBE, People Director at GTR, said the company’s student recruitment programme represented a new approach that could be adapted for other roles across the industry.
“By connecting people to jobs, education and leisure, we strengthen the communities we serve and contribute to both local and national economic growth,” she said.
Paul Marshall, Network Rail’s Chief Financial Officer, said the promise would help show young people that rail offered purpose, opportunity and long-term career potential.
Alex Hynes, Chief Executive of DFTO, added that attracting younger workers would be vital to creating a more sustainable and customer-focused railway.
The Rail Youth Promise is sponsored by Rail Unites for Inclusion and GTR and supports the Government’s Youth Guarantee, which aims to ensure every young person has the opportunity to earn or learn.
Rail careers extend beyond train driving and include roles in engineering, technology, finance, customer service, operations, communications, sustainability and project management.
The new charter is intended to make those opportunities more visible and help more young people take their first steps into the industry.