ORR’s first Internship programme helps students develop professional and industry skills

27 September 2022

New initiative sees students gain experience in areas such as engineering and diversity and inclusion.

Alex Light

Human Resources Business Partner

Participants in the ORR's summer Internship programme in 2022

This summer ORR welcomed four interns to our first Internship programme.

A new scheme designed for students either in or entering their final year of study. With the aim of giving meaningful and valuable work experience to those taking part. Helping develop their professional skills and industry knowledge.

Abdulrahman, Maddie, Aiysha and Matias undertook a bespoke eight-week programme related to their degrees or professional interests. These ranged from engineering to diversity and inclusion.

As well as being beneficial to the individuals, the internship has also been invaluable to ORR, with each intern bringing enthusiasm and new ways of working and thinking to the organisation.

We’re delighted the first ORR Internship programme has been such a great success. In a short timeframe, we’ve had some incredibly talented and driven individuals develop their own skills, but also leave a lasting mark on the organisation – both in terms of their work and showing us just what those on an Internship can be capable of.

You can read their own reflections about the experience below.

I have learnt so much more about the regulatory environment of Britain’s railway, and how ORR ensures Network Rail is running as safely and efficiently as possible. This has been an experience I will never forget, and I am grateful to have had the chance to work here for the summer.

Abdulrahman, civil engineering intern

I know that I’ll be a better candidate and a better worker for having spent eight weeks at ORR. I’ve been able to learn about the railways, its history, and its connections to issues of justice and equality.

Maddie, diversity and inclusion intern

ORR has been a great experience. The teams are lovely and helpful, and I learnt a lot from people across all different departments. I can see myself wanting to come back in the future.

Aiysha, Access and licensing intern

I really enjoyed my 8 weeks at ORR. I have had a fantastic behind-the-scenes look at how the railways operate by being able to join inspectors in some of their site visits whilst supporting the policy team.

Matias, strategy and policy intern