11 June 2026 Rail industry unites to champion social mobility
A symbolic rail journey hosted by Network Rail and Great British Rail carried key industry figures and partners from Birmingham New Street to Birmingham International to mark Social Mobility Day. The passengers, including senior leaders and employees from DfT Operator, Network Rail and more, disembarked to support the Big Bang Fair - one of the UK’s largest science and engineering events for young people.
The aim of the event, hosted by West Midlands Railway, was to highlight a shared ambition to change lives by opening doors to opportunities in the rail industry and supporting social mobility. The Talent Foundry is working within the rail industry to deepen collaboration and provide opportunities for young people to access the skills and confidence required to build a fairer future.
The activity was led by a social mobility steering group within the rail industry, which aims to positively impact 5000 lives a year through widening access and improving socio-economic diversity, supporting apprenticeship schemes, career progression and more.