For those preparing the leave the Armed Forces, the Rail sector provides a large range of rewarding career opportunities.
As colleagues from across NRL’s teams tell us in their own words below, the sector is a great place to transfer skills and learn new ones.
A sector with plenty of opportunity to progress
Steve Horbury found a new role working in the Rail sector with NRL provided progression and a successful career upon leaving the military that’s already spanned almost 20 years.
“Today, I’m incredibly proud to mark nearly two decades at NRL – a journey that has taken me from the streets of Barnsley to a supervisory position. My path to NRL was shaped by my experiences as an infantryman, serving in challenging environments like Northern Ireland and Bosnia, where I learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and teamwork.
Transitioning from the structured environment of the army to civilian life can be daunting, but NRL has been an invaluable ally in this journey. The company’s unwavering support, opportunities for growth, and inclusive culture have made the transition smoother and more fulfilling than I could have imagined.
From my humble beginnings as a grinding operative to my current role as a supervisor, NRL has provided me with invaluable opportunities for development and advancement. The unwavering support and encouragement from my colleagues and leadership team have played a pivotal role in my journey, and for that, I am deeply grateful. As I reflect on this milestone, I am filled with appreciation for NRL’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. It is truly inspiring to be part of a company that values its employees and fosters a culture of continuous growth and learning.
Thank you for your belief in my abilities and for the countless opportunities you have provided me over the years. I am excited to continue contributing to NRL’s success and to inspire others to reach their full potential.
Here’s to celebrating 20 remarkable years together and to the bright future that lies ahead for NRL.”
Steve Horbury, Grinding Supervisory Manager, NRL Rail
A chance to learn new skills
For Alec Wright and Phil Taylor, they were able to put the existing skills they brought with them from the Armed Forces to good use, as well as gaining new ones.
“I started working for NRL in 2013 as a grinder on the London underground. Worked my way through to GSM on the national grinding contract. NRL is a company that gives you potential to better your railway career.”
Alec Wright, GSM (Ground Support Maintenance), NRL Rail
“The Armed forces teaches you discipline, respect & loyalty it really is a profession like no other so upon leaving its understandable to think that it’ll be difficult to transfer those values to another organisation and to be able to use them in the same way.
With NRL not only was I able to use my current skill set effectively I was also able to gain the necessary experience through on the job training and taking qualifications in a classroom environment to improve my knowledge and skill set which has enabled me to have a very successful career away from the Armed Forces. There are always opportunities.”
Phil Taylor, Grinding Supervisory Manager, NRL Rail
Developing a new specialism
For Pat McCarthy, his career in Rail allowed him to become a specialist in health, safety and compliance.
“After 22 year service in the RAF, I had reservations about working in a civvy street. What I didn’t realise was that the skill sets developed in the mob, are more than transferable and greatly valued, as the engrained discipline and work ethos the Armed Forces foster is fully welcomed by any would be employer.
After originally going down the recruitment route, I was directly employed with NRL 11 years as the Group HSE&Q Manager. This is the nearest I have come to the service comradery since leaving the mob. NRL’s values lend themselves, to the core, of those embedded by the forces. The professionalism of all the staff is second to none as they ensure the values set are continually applied in promoting individual aspirations, they work as team with drive and vigor making individuals valued and invested in. There are always opportunities.”
Pat McCarthy, Compliance Manager, NRL Rail – Previously HSE&Q Manager, NRL Group
Looking to start a career in the Armed Forces
We’re always happy to chat to anyone who is considering a move to the Rail sector as they start putting plans in place to leave the Armed Forces.
See how we support the Armed Forces community and learn how you can work for us here.