Is forklift licence enough to get a job with Network Rail?

Saad99 · 30 Jun 2026

Hi all,

Hope this is okay to post here. I'm currently an Uber driver and honestly the life is tough — long hours, unpredictable earnings and zero job security. I've been doing it for a while now and I really need a proper career change.
I've been looking into getting a forklift licence as a way in and I'm particularly interested in working in the railway industry — depot work, moving equipment and materials around maintenance yards etc. Seems like it could offer the stability I'm looking for.

A few questions:

1. Is getting a forklift licence a realistic way to get into the railway industry?
2. Do companies like Network Rail hire people with just a forklift licence and no railway background?
3. What extra certifications would I need beyond the forklift licence itself?
4. Is the pay decent compared to what I'm earning now as a driver?

Basically starting from scratch here so any advice on the best route in would be massively appreciated!

Thanks in advance

RailUK Forums

godfreycomplex · 1 Jul 2026

1 - not as such, no. There are a few specific vehicle driver roles in some areas but that’s more on the HGV side
2 - Yes. No railway background necessary for quite a lot of roles, especially outwith maintenance
3 - For roles requiring zero experience, training is delivered in house
4 - not too bad generally

If you want to go onto maintenance there seem to be two main ways, go onto Network Rail’s internal apprenticeship scheme for maintenance or work for another contractor, get your tickets and experience there, then apply for a job with Network Rail from there

If you would prefer ops, simply apply for signaller/crossing keeper openings in your local area and get through the tests/interviews.

Good luck!

Rab Smith · 2 Jul 2026

Saad99 said:
Hi all,

Hope this is okay to post here. I'm currently an Uber driver and honestly the life is tough — long hours, unpredictable earnings and zero job security. I've been doing it for a while now and I really need a proper career change.
I've been looking into getting a forklift licence as a way in and I'm particularly interested in working in the railway industry — depot work, moving equipment and materials around maintenance yards etc. Seems like it could offer the stability I'm looking for.

A few questions:

1. Is getting a forklift licence a realistic way to get into the railway industry?
2. Do companies like Network Rail hire people with just a forklift licence and no railway background?
3. What extra certifications would I need beyond the forklift licence itself?
4. Is the pay decent compared to what I'm earning now as a driver?

Basically starting from scratch here so any advice on the best route in would be massively appreciated!

Thanks in advance

Your forklift licence gained outside the industry would not be valid anyway as railway companies set their own competency standards.
Check out the Network Rail careers page and see what there is. There are lots of jobs that don't need railway experience and a it's a fact nowadays that rail companies prefer to hire from outside the industry so they can mould you into what they want.
Most people with railway experience have already picked up some bad habits!

Saad99 · 3 Jul 2026

Rab Smith said:
Your forklift licence gained outside the industry would not be valid anyway as railway companies set their own competency standards.
Check out the Network Rail careers page and see what there is. There are lots of jobs that don't need railway experience and a it's a fact nowadays that rail companies prefer to hire from outside the industry so they can mould you into what they want.
Most people with railway experience have already picked up some bad habits!

That makes sense. I didn’t realise an outside forklift licence might not count because railway companies use their own competency standards. That saves me from spending money on something that may not help much. I’ll keep checking Network Rail careers and focus more on entry-level roles where training is provided. It’s also encouraging to hear that rail companies may take people with no railway experience and train them properly. Are there any specific job titles I should search for as a complete beginner?

Rab Smith · 3 Jul 2026

Saad99 said:
That makes sense. I didn’t realise an outside forklift licence might not count because railway companies use their own competency standards. That saves me from spending money on something that may not help much. I’ll keep checking Network Rail careers and focus more on entry-level roles where training is provided. It’s also encouraging to hear that rail companies may take people with no railway experience and train them properly. Are there any specific job titles I should search for as a complete beginner?

Just have a look through their vacancies. It will tell you the requirements needed for the role.
Here's an example of an entry level post;

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Is forklift licence enough to get a job with Network Rail?

Saad99

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RailUK Forums

godfreycomplex

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Rab Smith

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Saad99

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Rab Smith

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