Unlocking Opportunity in Rail

By Rob Forde, Director of Strategy and Skills, GCRE Ltd

Paths into rail matter to me.

They’ve mattered to my own entry and development as a professional in the industry and they are critical to ensuring we attract and retain the very best talent in rail in the next decade and beyond.

That’s why I’ve recently been proud to take on the role of Head of Community for Beyond Barriers, a cross-industry group dedicated to supporting people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to build meaningful, sustainable careers in UK rail. Alongside my position as Director of Strategy and Skills at GCRE, the position is deeply personal to me. It connects not just with the future of our industry, but also with my own story.

The rail sector is one of the UK’s most vital industries, keeping people connected, enabling trade, and supporting regional growth. But its also an industry at an inflection point. New technologies, decarbonisation, the development of major new infrastructure – perhaps never has there been so much change in the industry and certainly never has the sector needed so much fresh talent, creativity, and a diversity of perspectives.

And yet, for too long, barriers, both visible and invisible, have made it harder for people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to join and to thrive in rail. Limited access to networks and mentors; the costs of training and perceptions of who “belongs” in certain roles have hindered the entry and then the development of many talented people in the industry. The playing field has not always been level.

A recent report by Demos and the Co-op, The Opportunity Effect, reveals that the UK economy loses out on £19 billion in GDP every year due to systemic failure in workplace social mobility. Addressing these barriers could unlock significant benefits including £1.8 billion in private-sector business profits, plus an additional £6.8 billion in tax revenue annually.

These figures make clear that promoting socioeconomic diversity isn’t just a matter of fairness, it’s a powerful lever for economic and business growth. Other, high-mobility economies such as Sweden, Austria, and Denmark have demonstrated stronger productivity outcomes by fostering wider access to opportunity.

I feel this issue very personally because its my own story. I grew up in a family where money was tight, but values were strong. My father served as a soldier before retraining as an electrician, and my mother worked as a barmaid. They worked incredibly hard, often with little recognition, to give me and my family the best start they could.

I didn’t begin my career in a boardroom or behind a desk. My rail journey started on track as an assistant surveyor. The work was tough, often outdoors and physically demanding. But I loved it. More importantly, it gave me an entry point – a chance to learn, to prove myself, and to grow. Step by step, I took on new responsibilities, worked across different areas of rail, and slowly climbed through the ranks.

Today, as a senior leader in the industry, I never forget where I started. And its that journey that fuels my passion to make sure others have similar opportunities – without needing luck, chance, or the right connections.

Rail has always held the potential to be a driver of social mobility. Historically, the industry offered apprenticeships, skilled trades, and technical careers that enabled working-class families to access stable, respected jobs.

But in recent decades, with the evolving nature of work, rising living costs, and shifts in recruitment practices, these pathways have become less accessible. At the same time, the industry hasn’t always resonated with diverse communities, missing the chance to show younger people why rail could be a rewarding career choice.

This matters, because the benefits of widening access are enormous:

• For individuals, rail can provide stable, skilled jobs with real career progression. In many communities, these opportunities are transformative—breaking cycles of poverty and opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.

• For the industry, a workforce drawn from wider socioeconomic backgrounds brings fresh perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and resilience. We need people who think differently to tackle challenges like digitalisation, decarbonisation, and customer service in the 21st century.

• For the UK, investing in socioeconomic diversity helps reduce inequality, strengthens regional economies, and ensures that major infrastructure investments benefit all communities.

If we’re serious about building an industry that reflects the society we serve, then we must tackle the barriers head-on. This means:

• Raising awareness and aspiration: Showing young people—and those seeking career change—that rail is more than just trains. From engineering to digital, operations to innovation, the scope is vast.

• Creating real entry points: Well-funded apprenticeships, traineeships, and flexible pathways matter—for those without formal qualifications or established networks.

• Providing support to truly thrive: Access isn’t enough. Mentoring, sponsorship, and clear progression routes are essential to help people build long-term careers, not just survive entry-level roles.

• Challenging perceptions: We must confront outdated stereotypes about who “belongs” in leadership in rail. Talent is widespread; opportunity for progression shouldn’t be rare.

At GCRE, we see skills and community as central to our development. Our mission is to build more than simply infrastructure, we see ourselves as helping to build the future workforce of the rail industry. That means creating pathways for people of all backgrounds to develop the skills, confidence, and networks they need.

By promoting socioeconomic diversity, we’re not doing charity, we’re investing in excellence. The next generation of leaders, engineers, and innovators may come from backgrounds where no one has ever worked in rail before. We want to make sure they see a place for themselves with us.

Taking on the role of Head of Community at Beyond Barriers is not just a title, it’s a responsibility. I want to use my story to help others see what’s possible, and to ensure the industry I care about is open, fair, and ready for the future.

I believe that rail can be one of the UK’s great engines of social progress, just as it has been for physical connectivity for nearly two centuries. But that will only happen if we commit to inclusion, opportunity, and dismantling barriers.

My parents taught me that hard work and perseverance matter. The rail industry gave me a chance to prove that. Now, it’s my turn to help create those chances for others.

The conversation around socioeconomic diversity is growing, but it must be matched with action. Reports like The Opportunity Effect shine a light on the issue, but it’s up to sectors like rail to turn awareness into real change.

That’s why Beyond Barriers is so critical. We are building a network where people can share experiences, support each other, and advocate for systemic change across the industry.

So, if you share this passion, whether you’re just starting in rail, well into your career, or simply want to see our industry thrive, I warmly invite you to join the community at Beyond Barriers. Together, we can ensure that talent from all walks of life has both a place and a future in rail.

Because when rail opens its doors wider, it’s not only individuals who benefit, it’s all of us.

You can find out more about the work of Beyond Barriers here: Join