Eight engineering students from the University of Wollongong and the University of Western Sydney visitedAusRAIL PLUS, the biggest rail event in the region, to ‘Meet a Rail Engineer’.
‘Meet a Rail Engineer’ is an industry led initiative developed by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) whereby engineering students are provided with a unique opportunity to spend quality time with a practicing rail engineer, with the aim to inspire and attract future engineers to rail.
Chief Executive of the ARA Bryan Nye stated that this was the second year the industry body had facilitated the initiative, with the primary focus of positioning rail as an employer of choice.
“The Australasian Rail Industry is in a period of significant growth and prosperity, I hope that today these students witnessed that and will consider a career in rail when they graduate,” said Nye.
“Investing in our nation’s future engineers is investing in the future of our rail industry.
“The industry is continually looking to provide opportunities for motivated and talented students, from a diverse range of academic backgrounds, to be the future leaders in one of Australia’s largest industries,” he said.
During their personal tour of AusRAIL PLUS, students gained valuable information about the industry and discover the diverse range of career options in which they can utilise their engineering talents.
ARA members volunteered their top rail engineers to mentor and guide the six students at AusRAIL PLUS where they visited exhibitors, answered engineering related questions and highlighted the benefits of applying their skills to the rail industry.
The students were also provided with show bags containing a variety of items and merchandise from participating organisations.
“The ARA would not have been able to facilitate today’s unique event without the valuable support of its industry members,” Nye continued.
“It is a wonderful example of industry working together, through the ARA’s Rail Workforce Development Committee, providing potential future engineers with a positive “one on one” experience with a Rail Engineer and showcase the exciting career opportunities rail has to offer.
“Continuing to coordinate activities like this is vital to attracting young talent to rail,” Nye concluded.
Participating industry companies in the ‘Meet a Rail Engineer’ initiative are Australian Rail Track Corporation, Bombardier, Brookfield Rail, Downer Rail, John Holland, Leighton and Pacific National.