Russian Railways is encouraging eligible staff to join the Young Professionals programme, a joint initiative with Deutsche Bahn. The aim of the scheme is to encourage young managers and professionals from the two companies to learn from each other through internships, joint training sessions and round table discussions. Employees with at least two years experience, fluent English and a university level education are invited to apply.
Following criticism over its handling of passengers left stranded after last year’s Great East Japan Earthquake, JR East took the opportunity to test its revised emergency procedures during an earthquake simulation drill held by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Around 130 ‘passengers’ were led onto platforms where they were given food and water. The operator has identified parts of its stations that can be used as temporary shelters and plans to stockpile food, blankets and first aid kits.
Construction is underway on a specialist railway academy with a focus on technical skills at Madiun in Java. The first 60 students, who will all be under the age of 23, are expected to start in 2014. Indonesia has seen a dramatic rise in passenger train use over the last few years, and the National Train Transportation Plan predicts a considerable increase in staffing needs across the sector by 2030.
