New partnership aims to inspire next generation of rail talent

Rail Forum has announced it has teamed up with the National Rail Museum with the aim of inspiring the next generation of railway talent.

The body, which represents rail-related companies and organisations across the country, has named the NRM as its STEM partner for 2025.

It will see them work together to inspire youngsters to consider a career in rail.

The new alliance comes as the industry prepares to celebrate 200th anniversary of modern rail. It also comes as the NRM marks its 50th birthday.

Cat Appleby, membership and engagement director at Rail Forum, said: “We are thrilled to have the NRM as our STEM partner for 2025.

“With their support and  engagement, we can build on our young people STEM activities, from promoting and embedding Rail Forum’s freely accessible iRail schools’ materials to developing our wider skills focused initiatives – all of which complementing the Railway 200 vision of inspiring  a new generation of young pioneering talent to choose a career in rail.

“To support the railway of today and achieve the railway of tomorrow, it is paramount  that young people see rail as an attractive industry that can offer stimulating and fulfilling careers.

“Together, we can get more young people enthused around rail – the possibilities are endless.”

Julie White, campaign director for NRM and Locomotion, said: “We are delighted to partner with Rail Forum.

“As we progress with our transformation of the National Railway Museum in York, and Locomotion in Shildon, this partnership will strengthen our connections with the rail industry and support our work to inspire the next generation to take up exciting careers in rail, addressing the STEM skills gap and showcasing current  innovations being developed in the sector.”