Mateusz Kloza
Saltire Scholar 2026. Interned as an Engineering Assurance at Network Rail
Studying Business Management at University of Glasgow
Hi! My name is Mateusz Kloza, a 2026 Saltire Scholar! This summer, I spent 10 weeks at Network Rail as an Engineering Assurance intern, based in the Glasgow office. More recently, I started my final year of Business Management at the University of Glasgow.
A question that may immediately arise is: what does a social sciences student do in an engineering team? Whilst most of my team’s work focused on engineering assurance activities, such as engineering verifications, audits, inspections, and monitoring emerging risks and issues, they also generated large quantities of data. My job was to ensure processes and data-handling practices were efficient by suggesting and implementing improvements to existing tools and frameworks, and by developing new solutions to make daily work easier.
As a career changer, I brought experience in safety-critical environments, record management, and handling sensitive data. Still, the railway sector was completely new to me, and I spent a lot of time learning from colleagues across Network Rail to fully comprehend the complexity of the challenges faced by publicly owned infrastructure operators and their stakeholders. I supplemented my knowledge with e-learning modules recommended by my team, especially on enterprise risk management, and by learning from past events through resources from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. Ultimately, Great British Railways' core priority and commitment is to get Everyone Home Safe Every Day.
By combining my vocational experience, management acumen, and newly acquired knowledge, I delivered several solutions that improved my team’s day-to-day work. My main project focused on improving how we managed emerging risks and issues. I revised the process and suggested improvements to the Enterprise Risk Management Framework, especially to its early stages. The proposed changes improve clarity for stakeholders and offer a more detailed, streamlined approach. Based on the improved process, I created TERII – Tracker of Emerging Risks and Issues, Integrated. My solution combined three previously used trackers. As a result, I reduced its volume by 75% without losing any functionality. Thanks to data validation and semi-automation, it also reduced time spent on admin and data entry. The improved data quality and consistency allowed me to create and link a Power BI report that provides continuous visibility for stakeholders outside the team and enables instant reporting.
My host company is dedicated to creating social value. This commitment is reflected by giving all Network Rail employees up to 5 days of paid volunteer leave per year. As a strong believer in benefiting society, I did my best to make an impact. I took the opportunity to help deliver an interactive workshop at Turnbull for International Women in Engineering Day, encouraging young girls to pursue careers in the railway sector. Together with other engineering leaders, we tried to make this discipline more inclusive and change the fact that only approx. 17% of girls choose engineering as their GCSE subject, even though they statistically score higher than boys across STEM subjects.
Together with permanent Network Rail staff and other interns, we volunteered at the Museum of Scottish Railways in Bo’ness. Under the instruction of Museum volunteers, many of whom were railway veterans, we experienced the practical side of track maintenance. We did a range of tasks ourselves, from jacking up the rails to replacing sleepers and chairs (not to mention shovelling tonnes of ballast). This experience deepened my respect for the colleagues who work tirelessly to deliver on- and off-track maintenance across Britain’s railways. The hours of fieldwork also allowed us interns to bond and strengthen our teamwork skills in a new, challenging environment. We all worked hard, met our target, and successfully replaced all sleepers scheduled for that day.
Lastly, to boost our fundraising efforts, fellow interns and I organised a bake sale in the new Cadder Yard depot. We offered a range of home-baked goods to colleagues from ScotRail, Network Rail, Babcock and Arcadis. Thanks to their generosity, we have raised an additional £217 pounds for Entrepreneurial Scotland and smashed our targets.
We also visited several operational sites, experienced the new Hairmyres train station, and toured Glasgow Central Station. We also participated in workshops and training sessions to build a comprehensive understanding of the railway and its challenges.
If you're considering an internship with Network Rail, I can assure you it is not just for STEM students. You do not need any previous knowledge of the railway industry either. All you need is an open mind and a desire to make a difference. During my internship, I met people at all levels of seniority: from Jeremy Westlake, the CEO, to graduates just beginning their careers. They came from a variety of backgrounds and used them to build meaningful careers. Everyone was genuinely supportive and shared their knowledge and experience with us. Our host teams included us in meetings and day-to-day activities. They listened to our proposals and suggestions and took them into account. Many of the solutions Network Rail uses today were created by previous cohorts of interns, again proving our work was meaningful and impactful.
As the applications for the 2027 edition of the Saltire Scholars Programme opened recently, I cannot recommend this opportunity enough. Do not delay and apply as soon as possible! Network Rail remains one of the programme's biggest partners, offering a broad range of internships that reflect the railway sector's diverse career opportunities. Whether you have previous experience or not, this is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons, gain confidence, build new skills, and connect with other interns and industry professionals. For me, the Saltire Scholar internship was a profound experience, and I cannot recommend it enough. I enjoyed it so much that I applied to Network Rail’s graduate scheme and hope to return in September 2027!
