Rail Talent 2030: Building the Workforce of the Future

The future of the UK rail industry depends not only on infrastructure and innovation—but on people. With an ageing workforce, evolving skill demands, and fierce competition for talent, the sector must act now to attract, inspire, and retain the next generation of rail professionals.

This panel brings together HR leaders, early-career professionals, educators, and industry champions to explore how the rail sector can become a career destination of choice for young people across the UK. We’ll examine:

• Strategies for engaging young talent through schools, colleges, apprenticeships, and graduate pathways

• How to promote diversity, inclusion, and social mobility in recruitment and workforce development

• The role of branding, storytelling, and outreach in reshaping perceptions of rail careers

• Real-world examples of successful youth engagement and early-career programmes across the industry

This is a conversation about people, purpose, and potential. Join us to explore how the rail industry can build a workforce that reflects the future it’s working to deliver—dynamic, diverse, and driven.

A modern rail network must reflect the society it serves—not only in its destinations, but in its workforce, leadership, and culture. As the UK rail industry faces a generational shift in talent and public expectations, embedding inclusion and diversity is essential to building a sector that is innovative, resilient, and representative.

This panel brings together HR leaders, frontline staff, community advocates, and industry changemakers to explore how rail can become a more inclusive and equitable space for all. We’ll examine:

• Strategies for recruiting, retaining, and advancing underrepresented groups across all roles and levels

• How inclusive design and service planning can improve accessibility and passenger experience

• The role of leadership, allyship, and accountability in driving cultural change

• Real-world examples of programmes and partnerships that are breaking down barriers and building belonging

This is a conversation about people, progress, and purpose. Join us to explore how inclusion and diversity can power a rail industry that’s not only fair—but future-ready.

As the UK rail industry embraces digital transformation, the workforce must evolve alongside the technology. From predictive maintenance and smart scheduling to AI-powered customer service and data analytics, digital tools are reshaping every aspect of rail operations. But unlocking their full potential depends on equipping people with the skills to use them.

This panel brings together training leaders, technologists, frontline staff, and workforce strategists to explore how digital upskilling and AI integration can empower rail workers and future-proof the sector. We’ll examine:

• The digital competencies needed across operations, engineering, customer service, and management

• How AI tools are being deployed to enhance safety, efficiency, and decision-making

• Strategies for designing inclusive, accessible training programmes that support lifelong learning

• Case studies of successful digital upskilling initiatives and AI adoption across UK rail organisations

This is a conversation about capability, confidence, and change. Join us to explore how digital skills and intelligent tools can help build a rail workforce that’s not only tech-savvy—but ready to lead the future of transport.

As the UK rail industry navigates rapid transformation—from digitalisation and decarbonisation to shifting passenger expectations and workforce renewal—the need for visionary, adaptive leadership has never been greater. The sector’s future will be shaped not just by infrastructure and innovation, but by the people who lead it.

This panel brings together senior executives, emerging leaders, HR strategists, and leadership development experts to explore what effective leadership looks like in a rail industry undergoing profound change. We’ll examine:

• The evolving skillsets and mindsets required to lead in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment

• How to cultivate inclusive, agile leadership across operations, strategy, and innovation

• The role of mentorship, succession planning, and cross-sector collaboration in building leadership pipelines

• Real-world examples of leadership driving transformation—from frontline teams to boardrooms

This is a conversation about vision, values, and the people who will carry rail into the future. Join us to explore how leadership can empower the sector to meet tomorrow’s challenges—and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.