UK: Not-for-profit networking body Young Rail Professionals and Network Rail have joined forces to launch what is intended to become an annual induction programme for people new to working in the rail industry.
The ‘Welcome to Rail’ programme will begin in October with seven virtual events designed to give new entrants a broad but sufficiently detailed introduction into how the industry functions, an understanding of some of the key challenges and opportunities currently facing it, and a chance to meet colleagues and hear from senior rail leaders.
The first event, starting at 17.00 on October 13, looks at ‘The History and Future of UK Rail’. Over the following weeks, future sessions include a question and answer discussion with senior industry leaders (October 18); ‘The Life of a Train: an Introduction to Rolling Stock & Infrastructure’ (October 27); ‘Staying on Track: An Introduction to Track & Infrastructure’ (November 3); an Introduction to Signalling & Control (November 10); and Crossrail: Case Study of a Railway Mega Project (November 17). The programme concludes on November 24 with an event entitled Modern Innovations in UK Rail.
Looking ahead, YRP and NR intend to offer a number of regional in-person networking events in February 2022. All of the events will be hosted by YRP and NR, and are free and open to anyone to attend, although they are aimed at newer entrants to the sector.
‘This is a hugely exciting programme which gives new colleagues a fantastic opportunity to jumpstart their career in rail through access to invaluable knowledge and expert networks, which I hope will guide them through the early phases of their career’, explains Paul Case, Head of Initiatives at YRP. ‘This is right at the heart of YRP’s mission to develop and inspire the next generation of leaders in rail, working collaboratively with colleagues at Network Rail and all across the industry.’
‘Rail is familiar, though not that well understood’, adds Mark Hodgson, Head of Talent & Organisational Development at NR. ‘The more that you learn, the better equipped you’ll be to evolve your own career journey and play your part in connecting and collaborating to shape and drive our evolving Great British Railways. This exciting learning programme is for anyone with less than ten years’ experience in rail, so get involved and grow your rail industry mindset, make a difference for yourself and the rail industry you’ve joined.’
