Jemma Muirhead
2026 Saltire Scholar
Off-Track Maintenance Project Intern, Network Rail
Product Design Engineering, University of Strathclyde
Hi, I'm Jemma Muirhead, and I'm going into my final year at the University of Strathclyde studying an Integrated Master's degree in Product Design Engineering.
I applied to the Saltire Scholars Programme because I was keen to gain experience in an engineering environment before returning to my final year of university and to develop my understanding of the real-world challenges faced in the workplace. I was excited by the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, apply the skills I had developed through my degree in a professional setting, and gain insight into an industry I knew very little about. Looking back, the experience has helped me grow both personally and professionally and has exceeded all my expectations.
As an Off-Track Maintenance Project Intern at Network Rail, I had the opportunity to experience workplace challenges first hand and see how they are tackled in practice. While the role was not directly related to my degree, I quickly realised how transferable many of my skills were, particularly when it came to problem solving, communication, and adapting to new situations. Working in a completely new environment encouraged me to approach problems from different perspectives and learn from a wide range of experienced colleagues.
One of the things that attracted me most to the role was the opportunity to get out on site and see the railway in action. I learn best by getting stuck in, asking questions, and developing my own understanding through experience, so these opportunities were invaluable.
One of the most memorable experiences of my internship was getting the opportunity to go up in a helicopter to observe electrification booster surveys. Not only was it my first time in a helicopter, but it was also fascinating to see how technology is used to proactively identify maintenance requirements across the railway.
Another highlight was visiting Wick during a three-week vegetation clearance blockade. I visited a week into the project and at the end of the project, which allowed me to see the progress made and gain a real appreciation for the planning, teamwork, and effort involved in delivering large-scale maintenance works safely and efficiently.
I also had the opportunity to visit Network Rail's sheep that are part of a giant hogweed grazing trial. Seeing first-hand the impact they have made was incredible and opened my eyes to the innovative and sustainable solutions being used to tackle environmental challenges. Experiences like this showed me that engineering and maintenance are not always about conventional solutions and that creativity plays an important role in solving real-world problems.
Before starting my internship, Off-Track Maintenance was an area of the railway I had never really considered. However, the more I learned, the more I appreciated the vital role it plays in keeping the railway safe, reliable, and running efficiently. Through my project work supporting the management of hazardous trees near the railway, I also gained an understanding of the environmental, planning, and stakeholder considerations that must be balanced before work can take place.
Alongside my placement, I had the opportunity to take part in activities with my fellow Saltire Scholars, including a tour of Glasgow Central Station. These experiences were a great way to meet other students, share our experiences, and build connections beyond our individual placements.
Perhaps the biggest thing I gained from this internship was confidence. At the start of the summer, I knew very little about the railway industry, but by embracing every opportunity and being willing to ask questions, I developed both my knowledge and confidence significantly. I was surprised by how quickly I became comfortable contributing to discussions, visiting sites, and engaging with professionals from across the business. The confidence I gained also encouraged me to organise a fundraising Parkrun for the Saltire Foundation, completing it dressed in full Network Rail PPE to help raise awareness and funds for the programme.
I would encourage anyone considering applying for the Saltire Scholars Programme to do so without hesitation. The opportunities I have had throughout my internship have been outstanding and have genuinely helped shape my future career aspirations. My advice to future Saltire Scholars would be simple: say yes to every opportunity. During my first week, I was told to do exactly that, and it allowed me to gain experiences I never expected, meet a wide range of people, and learn far more than I would have by staying within my comfort zone.
I am proud to be a Saltire Scholar and grateful for the opportunities the programme has provided, which I know will continue to influence my future career and development.
