Meet the rail worker of 2035

The rail industry has always evolved alongside technology. From steam power to high-speed rail, innovation has continually changed how rail networks are built, maintained and operated. Over the next decade, that transformation is set to accelerate.

That shift matters because rail remains a major employer. NSAR’s 2025 Rail Workforce Survey reported that the UK rail workforce stood at 221,788 in 2025, underlining the scale of the sector and the importance of preparing its people for future skills demands.

As the industry embraces digital technologies, advances in automation and the creation of Great British Railways, the skills needed to succeed in rail are likely to look very different from those in demand today. While many of the fundamentals of rail delivery will remain the same, workers will increasingly need to combine traditional engineering expertise with digital knowledge, data literacy and a willingness to adapt to new technologies.

So, what might the rail worker of 2035 look like?

Technology won't replace rail workers, but it will change how they work

There is often concern that advances in artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digital systems will reduce the need for people. In reality, rail remains a highly complex, safety-critical environment where skilled professionals will continue to play a central role. The difference is that technology is expected to become an even more powerful tool in workers' hands.

Rather than manually analysing vast amounts of operational data, maintenance teams may use AI-powered systems to identify potential faults before they occur. Project managers could use predictive planning tools to forecast labour requirements, possession risks and programme delays. Engineers may spend less time on routine inspections and more time interpreting data and making informed decisions.

The jobs will still require human expertise, but the skills of these individuals will simply evolve.

Data will become one of the industry's most valuable tools

By 2035, rail organisations are likely to be generating more operational data than ever before. Sensors, connected assets, monitoring equipment and digital reporting systems will provide a constant flow of information about the condition and performance of infrastructure.

As a result, workers across the sector may increasingly be expected to understand how to interpret and act upon that information. Future rail professionals could find themselves working alongside data analysts, digital engineers and specialist technology teams to support asset management, maintenance planning and operational decision-making. In many ways, the rail workforce of the future will need to become both technically skilled and digitally confident.

Digital signalling will create new opportunities

Digital signalling continues to be one of the most significant technological developments within rail. As networks become smarter and more connected, the industry will require professionals capable of supporting increasingly sophisticated systems and technologies. The scale of this shift is already clear. Network Rail’s 10-year Train Control Systems Framework is worth £4bn, including £3bn allocated to digital signalling using European Train Control System technology.

While signalling expertise will always remain important, future roles may require a broader understanding of software platforms, digital communications networks and integrated operational technologies. This shift could create exciting opportunities for people with backgrounds in technology, software engineering and systems integration, helping to attract new talent into the sector.

Drones and remote inspections could transform maintenance

The image of rail maintenance teams physically inspecting every asset may become less common over the next decade. Drones, remote monitoring systems and digital twins (a live virtual copy of a real physical object such as a bridge) are already changing how infrastructure is assessed and maintained. By 2035, these technologies could become standard across large parts of the network.

Instead of spending hours manually inspecting hard-to-access locations, engineers may use drone-captured imagery, real-time monitoring systems and digital modelling tools to identify issues more quickly and safely. However, this doesn't remove the need for skilled engineers, it simply changes how they apply their expertise.

The most valuable skill may be adaptability

While technical skills will continue to evolve, one capability is likely to become increasingly valuable: adaptability. The pace of change across rail and infrastructure shows little sign of slowing. New technologies, regulatory changes, sustainability targets and evolving customer expectations will continue to reshape the sector.

The professionals who thrive will be those who can continually learn, develop new skills and embrace innovation. Employers are already recognising this challenge. Indeed, businesses are increasingly looking not only at what candidates know today but also at their ability to grow and adapt in the future.

Human skills will be more important than ever

Despite all the discussion around automation and technology, many of the most important skills in 2035 may remain distinctly human. Leadership, communication, collaboration and problem-solving will continue to underpin successful project delivery.

Rail projects involve multiple stakeholders, complex operational environments and significant safety responsibilities. Technology can support decision-making, but people will still be needed to manage teams, build relationships and make critical judgments. In fact, as technology becomes more sophisticated, the value of strong human skills may increase rather than diminish.

Building the workforce of the future

The rail worker of 2035 is unlikely to fit a single mould. Some will be engineers with advanced digital skills. Others will be data specialists helping to optimise network performance. Many will combine traditional rail expertise with knowledge of emerging technologies. What unites them is likely to be a commitment to continuous learning and a willingness to embrace change.

For employers, this means thinking differently about workforce planning today. Developing future talent pipelines, investing in training and creating opportunities for skills development will be essential to ensuring the industry has the workforce it needs tomorrow. There are positive signs emerging, though, with NSAR reporting that the proportion of rail workers aged 25 and under increased from 6.3% in 2024 to 6.8% in 2025. However, the sector will need to accelerate this pipeline if it is to meet future skills demand

For candidates, the future is equally exciting. The rail industry is evolving into a sector that offers not only rewarding careers in engineering and operations, but also opportunities in technology, data, digital innovation and sustainability.

The rail worker of 2035 may look different from today's professional, but one thing is certain: skilled people will remain at the heart of keeping Britain's railways moving.