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How to get into the Business
- Thread starter Crossforth
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sprinterguy
Veteran Member
What counts in the rail industry, as in most businesses, is some prior experience in an area related to the career you are aiming for. If you have had previous customer related work then you may stand a reasonable chance of getting a platform job somewhere, which could be just the thing for you!
From my own experience I suggest that studying a University degree that will lead you towards gaining greater knowledge of your preferred sector of the rail industry, but it's a matter of personal preference.
I am currently studying for a Transport Management degree. It's only a small course, so has a high standard of teaching, and covers not only transport based subjects (global shipping regulations, multimodal operations, transport planning), but also business management, statistics and accounting which can all be important skills. There are also logistics course if your interests are more centered towards moving freight.
Taking up a uni degree doesn't just increase academic skills, it allows you to gain that all important work experience in the transport industry by the time you graduate: When I completed my A-levels, I had no work experience in transport, and I have now worked for two big players in both the public transport and logistics sectors and really boosted my CV and experience to a level beyond many of my peers. Some courses also offer a placement year, like mine does, which is a year earning a proper wage doing a proper job in the transport industry before you graduate. The big names in transport and logitsics offer places to certain universities for students to work for them.
Univeristies that offer the Transport Management course, and I know for a fact are offered many good placement opportunities, are Huddersfield (that'll be closest to you), Aston (Birmingham), Loughborough and Bristol.
There are also degrees in engineering and construction, and of course the Network Rail apprenticeships if you want a more hands on approach and would prefer to get straight into work.
From my own experience I suggest that studying a University degree that will lead you towards gaining greater knowledge of your preferred sector of the rail industry, but it's a matter of personal preference.
I am currently studying for a Transport Management degree. It's only a small course, so has a high standard of teaching, and covers not only transport based subjects (global shipping regulations, multimodal operations, transport planning), but also business management, statistics and accounting which can all be important skills. There are also logistics course if your interests are more centered towards moving freight.
Taking up a uni degree doesn't just increase academic skills, it allows you to gain that all important work experience in the transport industry by the time you graduate: When I completed my A-levels, I had no work experience in transport, and I have now worked for two big players in both the public transport and logistics sectors and really boosted my CV and experience to a level beyond many of my peers. Some courses also offer a placement year, like mine does, which is a year earning a proper wage doing a proper job in the transport industry before you graduate. The big names in transport and logitsics offer places to certain universities for students to work for them.
Univeristies that offer the Transport Management course, and I know for a fact are offered many good placement opportunities, are Huddersfield (that'll be closest to you), Aston (Birmingham), Loughborough and Bristol.
There are also degrees in engineering and construction, and of course the Network Rail apprenticeships if you want a more hands on approach and would prefer to get straight into work.
Crossforth
Established Member
Thanks guys for everything there
As a reply to a post, I have 2 maths GCSEs and triple science plus an extra core science.
I am year 12 and I am currently studying Maths, Law and Bussiness & Economics (and general studies but noone seems to accept that).
In maths we are studying Core 1, Core 2 and Statistics modules.
Even though I would prefer to go into the passenger/people side of the railway, I do have work experience lined up for July where I am off to work at Neville Hill with EMT for a week.
I think I shall look more into the Transport Management degree as I also know a friend who is studying it at Huddersfield so I shall speak to him and root around
Thanks again guys
As a reply to a post, I have 2 maths GCSEs and triple science plus an extra core science.
I am year 12 and I am currently studying Maths, Law and Bussiness & Economics (and general studies but noone seems to accept that).
In maths we are studying Core 1, Core 2 and Statistics modules.
Even though I would prefer to go into the passenger/people side of the railway, I do have work experience lined up for July where I am off to work at Neville Hill with EMT for a week.
I think I shall look more into the Transport Management degree as I also know a friend who is studying it at Huddersfield so I shall speak to him and root around
Thanks again guys
That's actually close to what I'm doing. They're good A levels (but I would say that) and will serve you well. I assume you will do M1 next year, that seems to eb the normal pattern.
Leeds says it's offers for Geography and Transport Planning normally includes Geography, but it's worth ringing them to find out how they would look on your subjects. Economics with Transport Studies (not Planning) needs AAB but doesn't require Geography, and you will be able to offer Biz&Econ as well as Maths. Nobody ever looked at a CV, saw an Economics degree and thought the less of the candidate.
If you want to look at what other courses are available, UCAS course search can list all transport degrees.
Is the second Maths GCSE Ad Maths or Stats?
Leeds says it's offers for Geography and Transport Planning normally includes Geography, but it's worth ringing them to find out how they would look on your subjects. Economics with Transport Studies (not Planning) needs AAB but doesn't require Geography, and you will be able to offer Biz&Econ as well as Maths. Nobody ever looked at a CV, saw an Economics degree and thought the less of the candidate.
If you want to look at what other courses are available, UCAS course search can list all transport degrees.
Is the second Maths GCSE Ad Maths or Stats?
Crossforth
Established Member
It was actually a resit, I got a B first time round and wasn't happy and I sat another paper with another exam board and got an A at 4 marks off an A* 
According to my teachers, becasue it is a different exam board, it is classed as a seperate GCSE and doesn't cancel the other out
According to my teachers, becasue it is a different exam board, it is classed as a seperate GCSE and doesn't cancel the other out
blacknight
Member
I am not being negative but do you want to work or go into further education, me I would be looking to get a foot in the door. Stations at present are being gated so gateline assistant would be one way in.
Nothing then to stop you from going to night school to gain further qualifications maybe I got lucky getting by on 2 O levels.
As for customer service don't see why such alot is made of it you are going to a career where somestimes passenger is wrong & you have to tell them no they ain't going to like it but "customer is not always right" in this industry
This Government is just using further education to mask true level of youth unemployment even at post graduate level.
I would tell my MP but she's a class 97 Blair Babe due to be scrapped this May don't think see as worked in pit or foundry or much work experience
Nothing then to stop you from going to night school to gain further qualifications maybe I got lucky getting by on 2 O levels.
As for customer service don't see why such alot is made of it you are going to a career where somestimes passenger is wrong & you have to tell them no they ain't going to like it but "customer is not always right" in this industry
This Government is just using further education to mask true level of youth unemployment even at post graduate level.
I would tell my MP but she's a class 97 Blair Babe due to be scrapped this May don't think see as worked in pit or foundry or much work experience
90019
Established Member
ungreat
Member
- Joined
- 11 Nov 2006
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- 964
Yeah,punch him in the face...lol
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