Bonnie Price, CEO of Young Rail Professionals (YRP), keeps us up to date with all of the organisation’s summer activities.
We have had a busy first quarter since our elections in March and in the first month of this financial year our social media presence has grown by 5.4%. That builds on growth in other areas. Last year our membership grew by 34% and the number of events we put on increased by 28%. This year, we’re showing no signs of slowing down.
YRP Strategy Day
We recently held a strategy away day for the executive team, where we looked at last year’s growth and how our current operations are progressing. We examined our current policies, what we needed to change, and how we implement that change going forward. Whilst I am biased, I feel this is a perfect example of how involvement in YRP can turbo-charge a young person’s career.
Most people at the beginning of their careers do not get the opportunity to consider policy impacts, writing and directing how those changes will impact their places of work. As YRP expands across the UK (and the continent) there are countless opportunities to steer how YRP governance will continue to impact the rail industry as well as ensuring YRP is prepared for the national and international growth it is currently undertaking. By focusing on governance and forward-planning events, YRP is setting itself up for success in the long term.
Annual Dinner leaves England
Speaking of forward planning, the Annual Dinner and Awards will be held in Cardiff on 20 March 2025. We’ve already got the expression of interests out for attendance, and companies will have the opportunity to sponsor individual award categories at the event.
Sponsorship provides companies with valuable exposure to a targeted audience of young rail professionals. By supporting the evening, companies can align themselves with one of the most prestigious events in the rail industry. If you would like to inquire about sponsorship for an award category, please email us at: [email protected].
Politics In Rail
We’re also looking forward to our Politics in Rail event. Traditionally, this has been held in October and only in London. Last year, we moved it into RAILWEEK 24 in February, and I am happy to report that we are intending to run a series of Politics in Rail events across the UK for the first time ever!
Make sure to regularly check the YRP website for announcements and for information on when tickets go live. By expanding the series, YRP is positioning itself as a leader in asking political questions within the rail sector. The Politics in Rail series promises to offer valuable insights and networking opportunities for industry professionals.
Given the recent change in government, and the shifting landscape to the rail industry, I am really looking forward to these events. Our teams across the UK are putting in a tremendous amount of work and these events will be bigger and better than ever before. I can’t wait for the speaker announcements to go live on social media!
Summer events
Here at YRP we are still full steam ahead for our summer events. Below are just a few of the events that we’ve got coming up in August and September. Remember to sign up on the website (being an individual member is free) and you will be automatically notified when we have an event in your region.
West Midlands Region: Join us at our interactive pop-up stall hosted by the YRP West Midlands region on 17 August. We’re setting up shop at Birmingham New Street station, offering a unique opportunity for commuters, rail enthusiasts, and the general public. We’ll be sharing informative activity packs and distributing fun freebies. Come and learn more about the rail industry and take home some exciting goodies.
Western Region: We are pleased to announce that, with the support of colleagues from GWR Engineering, on the 15 August we are able to provide an opportunity for members to visit St Philips Marsh Depot for a behind the scenes tour.
Wales Region: Head down to Barry Goodsheds on Friday 23 August for the Wales Region’s August Social! We will be meeting from 6pm in the ‘Container Village’ for a relaxed social where we can enjoy food and drink together – a fun way to begin the August bank holiday weekend!
London Region: HS2 has kindly agreed to facilitate site visits to the HS2 Chiltern Tunnel South Portal and Colne Valley Viaduct sites, where you can see the construction of Britain’s longest railway tunnel and longest continuous viaduct.
These visits will take place on 12 and 19 September between 2pm and 3:30pm. It will involve a presentation followed by a site tour via minibus to relative points of safety where viewing platforms have been established outside of the working area. No PPE is required as you will remain in the site office, minibus, or at points of safety where designated viewing areas have been established.
Image credit: iStockphoto.com
