Careers in Rail — Avanti West Coast’s Virtual Work Experience for Youth

As industries evolve, so too do the ways young people discover career paths. Avanti West Coast, one of the UK’s leading train operators, is reshaping career education by launching a Virtual Work Experience (VWE) program aimed at introducing youth to the exciting and dynamic world of rail transport.

The initiative opens digital doors to students across the UK—and globally—who may never have considered a future in the railway industry. Through interactive modules, behind-the-scenes videos, and virtual shadowing opportunities, participants can explore roles ranging from train operations and engineering to marketing, customer service, and sustainability.

This effort comes at a crucial time when transport sectors are facing a talent gap and a wave of retirements. By launching a virtual-first approach, Avanti is making rail careers more accessible and inclusive, especially to students in remote or underserved areas. The program promotes awareness not just about trains, but about the vast ecosystem of professions that power modern railways.

Students will benefit from:

• Flexible access from anywhere, anytime

• Real-world projects and tasks simulating actual responsibilities

• Exposure to a variety of roles within the rail ecosystem

• Mentorship insights through pre-recorded talks and Q\&A sessions with industry professionals

This is more than just a digital experience—it’s a smart investment in the future workforce. With sustainability, digital transformation, and mobility becoming key focuses for transport infrastructure, introducing these concepts early to young minds builds stronger foundations for innovation in rail.

_Daily Growth Inisghts