Here at Transport for the North we are delighted to show our support for Rail Week 2021, which is led by Young Rail Professionals, running from 4-10 October.
Organisers of the pan-industry collaborative event say it aims to bridge the skills gap in the rail sector, and inspire the next generation of rail professionals.
Throughout the week, young people, parents, teachers, and career advisors are given the opportunity to see first-hand, the projects, facilities and jobs in the rail industry.
We spoke to two of our colleagues, Lucy Hoyle, an infrastructure lead, and Aaron Schofield, a project management assistant in the Northern Powerhouse Rail team to learn more about their experiences and what makes rail such an inspiring area to work in.
This is what Lucy and Aaron shared with us:
Lucy joined the rail industry in 2015 as a graduate and was attracted to working in rail as she wanted to be involved in large complex infrastructure projects. She was keen to do something that makes a difference and would affect people’s day-to-day lives.
Aaron started his journey in 2017 when he joined Transport for the North as a transport planning apprentice. His goal was to work within construction in a project management role and he was pleased to be selected to work on the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme.
Over the past six years Lucy has gained great experience and opportunities working on multi-million-pound rail projects. This has allowed her to gain project management qualifications alongside visiting key project sites where she could see first-hand how her projects were being delivered on the ground.
Aaron has been involved in a range of activities and had exposure to many different programme workstreams. This means he has had the opportunity to work alongside colleagues on transport data analysis and modelling, graphical information systems, programme management office, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
He was also selected to go on a field trip to the Netherlands and Germany where the group had the chance to look at how some of the different transport systems to compare with the UK.
He said: “Some were quite unique and it also gave us an opportunity to compare that to what we have in the North of England where it can be at times quite a contrast.”
This has really helped add to his overall understanding and reach his current position within the project management office.
Lucy believes it’s really important to do something you enjoy and would recommend the rail industry to anyone thinking of joining.
She said: “There are so many diverse roles in rail, for example you can be involved in sustainability, engineering, project management or stakeholder engagement activities.
“I have experienced both on site project works and early-stage business case development. In my current role, I’ve particularly enjoyed getting to meet and brief the political leaders of the North.”
Aaron believes one of the most important things he would suggest is to always put yourself forward and take the opportunities when they arise.
He said: “Any experience is good experience.
“I think even if you end up making a mistake, having the safe environment to operate in, with colleagues who are supportive, it will help you learn from those mistakes.
“It all just helps to build your confidence and you just want to give everything a try. It’s all about pushing yourself to go further, and giving yourself that drive and desire to succeed in the industry.”
Initially he was asked to chair some meetings and whilst it was quite daunting, once he got into the swing of it his confidence grew, and he’s now keen to give anything a try. The environment within TfN encouraged him and has provided a safe platform where colleagues are supportive and gave him the freedom to progress and try things out for himself.
At Transport for the North, and across the Strategic Rail and Northern Powerhouse Rail teams, we are committed to developing the skills and expertise of our younger colleagues to ensure they have the required abilities the industry demands.
Transport for the North is building the case for transformational investment in the region’s railway network, to improve rail travel across the North for future generations. Youngsters will benefit the most from these schemes, so it is important they continue to play a leading role in the design and delivery of major rail programmes, and are embedded in the process.
As an organisation, will continue to champion the role these young professionals play as development work ramps up and progresses towards getting spades in the ground on these transformational rail projects. Their work will benefit the region for the next century and beyond.