Safety, Workforce

New Horizons for young rail professionals

Horizons

Organisations involved in the rail industry in Australia and New Zealand are being invited to nominate an emerging leader to take part in RISSB’s Horizons 3.0 Program.

Commencing in February 2021, the Horizons 3.0 Program is aimed at technical professionals aged 35 and under who have been identified as high potential leaders and who would benefit from learning more about the rail industry, understanding RISSB’s role in Standards development, deepening their knowledge of cutting edge technology in rail, and extending their networks.

Featuring an immersive multi-month program, attendees will attend forums (either face-to-face or virtual depending on travel restrictions still in place in 2021), participate in hackathons, go on site visits, learn how RISSB develops its Australian Standards, undertake group and individual projects and even participate in a shark-tank style pitching competition.

With a focus on professional development, program participants will:

  • engage with CEOs and senior managers of major transport-related companies;
  • hear from technical leaders from outside the rail industry about the real-world application of new technologies;
  • extend their professional networks;
  • increase their understanding of, and appreciation for, RISSB’s need to balance safety and productivity;
  • learn about innovation and new technology that may impact business;
  • develop their potential alongside handpicked leaders from other organisations; and
  • assist RISSB and ultimately the rail industry more broadly to further enhance safety and productivity.

In 2021, we’re also planning to offer each participant an exclusive opportunity to work with a senior industry figure on an issues-based business case, which they will then present to their business.

Since the program’s inception two years ago, more than 100 people from 40 companies have participated. Program attendees have come from passenger operators, freight operators, track managers, consultants, constructors, manufacturers, ONRSR, ATSB, the National Transport Commission, various government departments, and the tertiary sector.

Horizons 1.0 and Horizons 2.0 attracted nearly 100 of the brightest and best from industry with participants, their organisations and the industry benefitting from a dynamic, informative and forward-looking program.

A Horizons graduate described the experience as “a fantastic opportunity to network with the next generation of railway technical, safety and operational experts and industry leaders. We’ve had a unique opportunity to view some of the latest technology and projects in the Australian rail industry and learn some valuable lessons from a wide range of industry and management leaders.”

If you would like more information about the program or to find out if your candidate(s) is suitable for the course, please contact Phil Allan, RISSB’s strategic relations manager at pallan@rissb.com.au.