Your Journey into Transport: Where Curiosity, Data and Big Ideas Can Take You

Young people, industry insight and real-world data came together for the first Data Futures event, revealing just how many routes there are into transport – and why the next generation’s skills matter.

The future of transport is not only about vehicles, roads or railways. It is about people, places, data, sustainability and the countless decisions that help us move safely and efficiently. That was the message at Your Journey into Transport, the Data Futures event from Project ROUTE. Students from secondary school through to postgraduate level joined the session to hear from the Department for Transport, meet members of the Project ROUTE Youth Advisory Group and discover how their own interests could become valuable careers.

Transport needs every kind of thinker

Nathan Hurdsfield, Head of Sector AI Skills and Opportunities at the Department for Transport, challenged the idea that there is one “right” route into the sector. Drawing on a career that has included teaching, school leadership and the Civil Service, he showed that careers can change direction, and that unexpected experience can become a strength. His advice was simple: be curious, do not be afraid to get things wrong and recognise that complex problems are solved by teams, not individuals.

That theme ran throughout the event. Maths, physics and computer science have clear applications, but so do geography, economics, sociology, politics, business, design and communication. Specialist careers may require particular qualifications, yet transport also needs people who can bring experts together, evaluate evidence, communicate clearly and tell compelling stories with numbers. The message for young people choosing subjects was equally clear: study what you enjoy, develop a broad range of skills and stay open to where they might lead.

Data is already shaping every journey

Transport is one of the most data-hungry sectors. Every journey generates information that can help improve services, from travel apps and ticket purchases to passenger feedback and connected vehicles. Nathan explained how data can help coordinate bus and train timetables, predict demand and plan smoother connections. He also highlighted the growing use of digital twins – virtual models that allow teams to test how complex transport systems could respond before changes are made in the real world.

Geospatial information systems (GIS) are another powerful part of the picture. Spatial data can show how communities connect to jobs, education and services; support fairer decisions about road funding; and provide evidence for improving transport in rural or poorly connected areas. Crucially, data is not only numerical. People’s experiences, views and stories are qualitative data too, and they are essential to understanding whether a transport system works for everyone.

Young voices are helping to build Project Route

Members of the Project ROUTE Youth Advisory Group brought the discussion to life. Their backgrounds ranged from business, sociology and politics to geography, architecture, maths, physics, computer science and languages. They described researching young people’s views, creating career challenges, using GIS, exploring rail accessibility and even building an algorithm. Several had been surprised by the sheer variety of careers within transport and by the flexibility to combine different interests.

Veron Charles shared how taking part in a DigData challenge and reaching out on LinkedIn opened doors to Project ROUTE, panel opportunities and two internships. His experience captured one of the event’s most encouraging messages: taking one small step – joining a challenge, asking a question or making a new connection – can create opportunities you may not yet be able to see.

Small changes can drive a more sustainable future

Sustainability was a major focus of the conversation. Reaching net zero will not come from one perfect solution; it will be built through many improvements made over time. Lower-carbon materials, more efficient journeys, better walking and cycling infrastructure, environmental assessments and smarter procurement can all contribute. For young people who want to make a difference, the skills Nathan highlighted were patience, communication and the ability to see the bigger system, then explain why a change that looks small today could have a much greater impact tomorrow.

Take your next step

You do not need to have your future mapped out to begin exploring it. Project ROUTE offers virtual work experience through career challenges, opportunities to meet professionals at future Data Futures events and access to early-talent pathways through a job board. Whether your next step is university, an apprenticeship, work experience or simply learning more, start with curiosity. Ask what problem you would like to solve – and discover where that question could take you.

Watch the full video here.

Find out more about Project ROUTE.