Case Study: ScotRail Trains Ltd – Inspiring Young People on the Tracks to Success
24 October 2025
Every Developing the Young Workforce partnership is a journey – from the first conversation with a member of the DYW Inverness & Central Highland (DYWICH) Management Team to creating meaningful experiences for young people. For ScotRail, that journey began when Marion McFadzean stepped into her new role as Workforce Development Officer in July 2024. Encouraged by the success of her initial collaborations, Marion and ScotRail are excited to continue building on the relationship with DYWICH.
Getting Started
When Marion joined ScotRail, she was quickly introduced to the DYWICH Management Team, and a promising partnership began to take shape. With a clear mission to raise ScotRail’s profile among schools and colleges, Marion set out to spark curiosity and open doors for young people. Her goal was simple: to inspire fresh thinking around career pathways and show that joining the rail industry can happen in many different ways.
Motivation and Ambition
ScotRail wanted to open young minds to the breadth of opportunities within the rail industry. While many immediately think of train drivers, there are diverse roles across engineering, customer service, operations, and planning. By showcasing real career pathways and promoting apprenticeship programmes, ScotRail aimed to spark interest and help the next generation take their first steps into a dynamic and rewarding industry.
The Project in Action
DYWICH shared a full calendar of activities across 14 secondary schools, giving employers the chance to engage directly with young people. ScotRail seized the opportunity by attending the careers fayre at Millburn Academy, connecting with pupils from all year groups. The event provided a dynamic platform to highlight the range of careers within rail and enabled meaningful conversations - many students expressed keen interest in upcoming apprenticeship opportunities.
Aims and Achievements
The aim was clear: raise awareness of the many pathways into the rail industry. The results speak for themselves - a significant number of applicants for ScotRail’s 2025 intake had first connected with the company through DYWICH events. Visibility across the school community has increased, and the business proudly welcomed new engineering and customer service apprentices into the ScotRail family. The partnership also provides ongoing support to schools through events and engagement, helping young people discover exciting career options in rail.
Continuing the Journey
Encouraged by the success of their initial collaborations, ScotRail and DYWICH are planning the next phase of the partnership. Together, they are committed to creating even more opportunities for young people to explore rewarding careers in rail. The journey is far from over - and the future looks exciting.
Testimonial – In Marion’s Words
"Working with DYW opened many doors, especially in the Highland region, and has enabled us to reach out to young people who are interested in the rail industry."
