Wilson Worsdell began his career in the Pennsylvania Railway's workshops at Altoona.

1871 - returned to Crewe where he worked with the L&NWR there and later at Chester, where he was in charge of the locomotive sheds from 1877. 1883 - moved to the NER at Gateshead as assistant mechanical engineer.

1890 - took over from his brother as locomotive superintendant, a position he remained in until his retirement in 1910.