Case Study: Network Rail - Upskilling in Data Analytics in Cheshire & Warrington
The ability to use data effectively is increasingly vital
Overview
Network Rail is a national organisation responsible for managing and maintaining the UK’s railway infrastructure. As part of its workforce development activity in the Cheshire & Warrington region, Network Rail partnered with Cenit College to deliver a Data Analytics Skills Bootcamp for its employees.
Two cohorts were delivered in 2025
- Cohort 1: 29 learners
- Cohort 2: 18 learners
A total of 39 employees completed the full 13-week programme.
The Context
Across many organisations, the ability to use data effectively is becoming increasingly important. Data plays a key role in:
- Monitoring performance
- Planning operations
- Supporting decision-making
Many roles rely on data as part of the job but are not specialist data roles. As a result, staff often have varying levels of experience and confidence in how they use data.
Network Rail recognised the value of strengthening these skills within its existing workforce.
Working in Partnership
Network Rail worked with Cenit College to design and deliver the programme. This included a diagnostic and scoping process to:
- Review the roles of participating staff
- Understand current experience levels (from Excel users to basic Power BI users)
- Identify where data skills could be strengthened
This ensured the programme was relevant, practical and aligned to real job requirements.
Who Took Part
The programme focused on experienced, mid-level staff in specialist, managerial and operational roles. Sample job titles included:
- Counter Fraud and Investigation Service Lead Investigator
- Project Manager
- Programme Controls Manager
- Lead Business Change Manager
- Competence Delivery Specialist
- Asset Engineer
- Network Planning Engineer
- Examination Data Analyst
- Planning Assistant
- Technical Clerk
These roles involve working with data to support reporting, operations, planning and decision-making.
The Programme
Cenit College delivered a 13-week Data Analytics Skills Bootcamp focused on practical skills using Power BI and data tools. The programme covered:
- Preparing and working with data
- Combining datasets from different sources
- Structuring and modelling data
- Creating dashboards and reports in Power BI
- Analysing and presenting data clearly
Learners completed practical tasks and a final project, applying their learning throughout.
Learner Experience
Network Rail highlighted the value of the programme:
“The Bootcamp allowed employees the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge within Power BI and how to utilise it in their day job. It was great for the learners to work in groups to develop key skills and support each other in their learning.” Alice Holloway, Scheme Development Manager, Network Rail Outcomes
As a result of the programme, learners were able to apply their skills in their roles. This included:
- Creating and improving Power BI dashboards
- Working with more structured and connected data
- Producing clearer and more consistent reports
- Interpreting data to support day-to-day decisions
- Contributing more confidently to performance discussions
Learners also developed skills in:
- Data analysis
- Data visualisation
- Power BI reporting
- Excel modelling
- Using data to support decision-making
Network Rail confirmed that learners have been allocated additional workplace tasks to apply and build on these skills as part of their ongoing roles.
Impact
By upskilling existing staff, Network Rail has strengthened its internal data capability.
Employees who previously relied on basic tools or existing reports are now able to:
- Take greater ownership of reporting
- Work more efficiently with data
- Use data more effectively in their roles
This supports more consistent use of data across teams and strengthens day-to-day performance at a local level.
Summary
This programme supported 39 employees in the Cheshire & Warrington region to build practical data skills aligned to their roles. By focusing on experienced staff who already work with data, Network Rail has strengthened capability where it has the most impact, within operational and decision-making roles.