Project ROUTE Webinar: Educators Explore Careers in Transport and Data

Hosted by Rachel Keane, Founder of DigData, the latest educator webinar brought together experts from across the transport sector to explore how schools and colleges can inspire the next generation of data, digital and engineering professionals. Joining Rachel were Sam Rose OBE, Director of Data and Advanced Analytics, Department for Transport (DfT) and Helen Stone, Principal Data Scientist, National Highways, who shared advice, industry insights and the growing opportunities available within transport, technology and data-driven careers.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Project ROUTE brings together Digdata’s expertise in engaging young people with data careers and ITS UK’s leadership within the transport technology sector. Together, we are creating a programme that will reach 10,000 students across the UK, provide 5,000 work experience opportunities and support the creation of 100 high-quality industry placements.

This initiative is about much more than career awareness. It is about helping young people understand how their skills in maths, technology, problem-solving and creativity can be applied to solve real-world transport challenges that impact millions of people every day.

Teachers, careers leaders and education professionals came together for the practical session, which highlighted how the transport industry is evolving and the vital role data now plays in shaping the UK’s infrastructure. From analysing travel patterns and improving transport networks to developing AI-powered solutions, the speakers demonstrated that careers in transport extend far beyond traditional engineering roles.

Throughout the discussion, speakers emphasised that transport is increasingly powered by data, technology and innovation. They encouraged educators to broaden students’ understanding of the sector and showcase the wide variety of career pathways available, particularly for young people with strengths in STEM, digital skills and problem-solving.

Rachel explained that one of Digdata’s key ambitions is to help young people discover careers they may never have known existed. Highlighting the importance of making transport careers more visible, she said: “Too many people are finding the industry by accident, and too many enthusiasts aren’t finding us at all.”

Free Resources for Educators

A key focus of the webinar was the range of free educational resources available to schools. Rachel encouraged teachers supporting GCSE students to begin with Digdata’s Key Stage 4 classroom resources before progressing to employer-led career challenges developed alongside organisations such as National Highways. She explained that the challenges are designed to encourage different ways of thinking, allowing students to solve real-world problems through creativity, analysis and practical problem-solving.

The session also explored how DigData works with volunteers from industry to bring authentic workplace experiences into classrooms. While acknowledging that requests for careers fairs continue to grow, Rachel reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting schools wherever possible.

“We are committed to getting industry professionals into as many schools and colleges as possible,” she said, encouraging educators to share upcoming careers events so volunteers could be matched to schools across the country where availability allows.

Representing the Department for Transport, Sam Rose discussed the breadth of opportunities available across government and the wider transport sector. Responding to questions about graduate and postgraduate careers, she explained that transport organisations recruit people from an increasingly diverse range of academic backgrounds.

“The vast majority of our central data teams will be graduates of one shape or form, or apprentices who complete their master’s through their journey,” Sam explained. She also highlighted that teams now include specialists from mathematics, engineering, physics, behavioural science and even neuroscience, reflecting the growing role of artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary skills across government.

Rather than focusing solely on qualifications or job titles, the speakers encouraged educators to help students develop transferable skills such as curiosity, analytical thinking, communication and digital literacy. As technology continues to reshape every industry, these capabilities are becoming just as valuable as technical knowledge.

The webinar concluded with a reminder that collaboration between education and industry is essential to preparing young people for the careers of tomorrow. Rachel thanked attendees for their engagement and reinforced Digdata’s commitment to supporting schools through free resources, employer partnerships and industry outreach. As demand for data and digital talent continues to grow across transport and infrastructure, initiatives like these are helping educators equip students with the knowledge, confidence and inspiration to explore careers that combine innovation, purpose and real-world impact.

Watch the event recording here.

Bid for a free Data Day here.