At Network Rail we believe it’s never too late to begin an exciting new career on the railway. Meet Nick Anthony, one of our signallers based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, who joined us later in life.
Nick had worked as a maths and computer science teacher for 16 years when he decided to apply to become a signaller with us. He realised he had the transferrable skills needed when a teaching colleague got a job as a signaller, inspiring him to follow the same path.
Nick said: “You don’t have to be a graduate to be a signaller. You can be a school leaver; you just have to have the non-technical skills they ask for and be prepared to learn. Skills like being analytical, teamwork, being reliable and having the ability to break tasks into components are useful.”
Nick passed his application process in 2019 and began his training in Cambridgeshire at 57 years old.
A new start
Starting a new career later in life made Nick nervous. His previous experience teaching maths meant he wasn’t so worried about the technical side of his training but hadn’t quite appreciated how much new information there was to learn.
Nick said: “Going back to signalling school was quite an eye-opener. But ultimately, I did it. And I am very proud that I managed at my age to take on another course and pass it.”
Nick was surprised to find he wasn’t the oldest signaller in his region and that the ages of many fellow trainees ranged from 20s to 30s and 40s.
Nick never felt different from the team. He said: “There was a lot of support. But once you pass the training, you’re just a member of the team. The age you are has no bearing at all, none whatsoever.”
Now 62 years old, Nick is happy in his current role as a grade three signaller, helping keep thousands of people moving by rail every day.
He advises anyone interested in similarly pursuing a career in the railway “to persevere and be determined when applying”. Preparation for the interview and assessments is also important.
Nick said: “Network Rail is a very accepting company. They’re very positive about equality. It doesn’t matter about your age or sexual orientation or other characteristics. If you can do the job, there’s a job there for you.”
We’re proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer so we can better represent and serve our passengers and freight.
Find out more about our careers here.
