Welcome to the next generation of rail

Young rail professionals will play a crucial role in leading the sustainable development of the rail industry. To recognise this, we have established a wide range of programs to support young people as they forge their careers in rail.

Young Leaders Advisory Board

As the rail industry grows over the next decade and beyond, today’s young rail professionals will lead its development and shape the future of rail.

Our Young Leaders Advisory Board (Y-LAB) was established in 2019 to harness the ideas of young talent in the rail industry to inform the issues, projects and priorities the ARA pursues. Y-LAB reports to the ARA Board and provides regular updates and advice to support our advocacy agenda.

The Y-LAB is an eight-person, gender-balanced Board, comprised of members who represent all sectors of the rail industry. Appointments are for two years, with four Y-LAB members appointed each year. Read the Y-LAB Terms of Reference here.

Y-LAB’s purpose statement is Providing younger perspectives today, to shape the diverse and sustainable rail industry of tomorrow.

You can view the Y-LAB membership here.

Join our Young Rail Professionals Network

If you are a young rail professional working for an ARA member organisation, join our Young Rail Professionals Network LinkedIn group for all the latest information and updates relevant to you.

We also host regular Young Rail Professionals events and forums to support your networking – make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter to hear about new events as they are released.

Be part of our Future Leaders Program

Our six-month Future Leaders Program aims to create and retain great leaders across the rail industry in Australia and New Zealand. By taking part, you will have the chance to develop your leadership skills and be involved in group projects. Participants will also join the Future Leaders Alumni group to support ongoing networking beyond the program itself.

For more information on the program, subscribe to our newsletter for updates.

Access discounts to our events

If you work in the rail industry and are aged 35 years and under, discounts are available to attend our major conferences. Look out for the Young Rail Professionals pricing when you book your place.

Share your ideas with industry leaders

We offer a range of opportunities to connect young people with industry leaders across Australia and New Zealand. Look out for calls to enter our annual Young Rail Professionals Pitching Competition, and calls for submissions for our Next Generation Conference Scholarships.

Key contacts

General Manager – Supply Chain and Diversity