By Andrew Gibson
Network Rail just opened its application process for its 2012 graduate scheme. It has 100 places available for graduate places in the company. It is hoping that the fact the company has just been given government approval to electrify many of its lines, will attract many of the best graduates to apply for the positions. It should mean that roles will be more exciting, with the company taking on this brand new challenge. The jobs can also be well paid and rewarding and can lead to an exciting career.
There are concerns that there might not be many applicants. The Institute of Engineering and Technology has said that 23% of companies employing engineering graduates have had trouble finding enough people to fill the positions. There are also other roles available such as finance, network operations, commercial property and information management.
Network Rail chief executive, David Higgins, has said that they have had trouble finding recruits for their scheme. He explained that they know other sectors can be more attractive to graduates but feels that the new electrification plans are very exciting and that students should jump at the chance to work on it. He also said that the company are providing a vital service to the public and so working on this is very important to three million people a day. Many past graduates who have worked on the scheme have found it to be an exciting one which has led them to careers that they enjoy.
