The ARA’s Young Rail Leaders Committee hosted a webinar on Friday to seek feedback on issues facing young rail professionals. The top issues identified by participants included:

• lack of career growth and visibility
• lack of awareness of the various roles available
• lack of rail embedded in TAFE and university courses, leading to poor awareness of the industry.
• limited networking opportunities for young rail professionals, and challenges around cost and employer support to attend industry events

Participants identified face-to-face events as the best way to support networking for young professionals and highlighted the importance of free or low-cost networking events, as well as specific young rail professionals initiatives linked to conferences such as AusRAIL.

The webinar also discussed the need to change perceptions and raise awareness about the diverse roles available in rail through direct outreach to universities, TAFEs and schools, as well as utilising social media platforms young people use.

Clear career pathways and professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs for both men and women, were identified as measures that would encourage retention for young people working in rail. An inclusive culture, with considerations of diversity beyond gender, was also identified as a potential focus area.

The YRLC will now consider the feedback as part of the implementation of its workplan over the next 12 months.