NETWORK Rail is inviting applications for its graduate and work placement scheme.

As part of its drive to recruit future talent, the company has increased the number of places available on its graduate scheme by 45 per cent this year.

With a plan to spend £38bn on running, maintaining and improving Britain’s railways over the next five years, Network Rail is looking to recruit 145 graduates from across the UK – up from 100 last year.

Around a third of the places will be open to those with engineering degrees, with the company keen to attract people from a wide mix of academic backgrounds for the remainder.

As well as opportunities in engineering - civil, mechanical and electrical or electronic - graduates can apply for jobs in general management, finance, property, strategic planning, supply chain, business technology and project management, with positions available in the South West.

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Details of Network Rail’s graduate and work placement schemes can be found at networkrail.co.uk/careers/schemes. Applications for next year’s schemes must be submitted by midday on Monday, December 29.