New talent is the lifeblood of the industry. Every year, experienced and knowledgeable employees leave for pastures new or to enjoy a well-earned retirement. It is essential, therefore, that a supply of fresh faces is readily available.
But it’s not just about maintaining manpower. The younger generation brings novel ideas, different ways of thinking and, very often, experience from outside the industry. The Graduate of the Year Award, which makes a return for 2024, celebrates those newcomers who, fresh out of university, have made a significant impact on the industry they’ve recently joined. It recognises the outstanding contribution they make both professionally and to the wider community.
Hot off the blocks
Back in 2022, Louis Szymanski of D2 Rail was honoured with the award. Louis joined D2 Rail in August 2020 and made a significant impact on the business in a very short timeframe.
Louis was nominated by his colleagues who were amazed at how quickly he’d made himself an integral part of both the D2 Rail Project Controls Team and the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU) West Alliance Planning & Controls Team. He proved very quickly that he was an extremely competent and adaptable professional, seeking out opportunities to extend his own development and impressing teammates with his dedication and compassion.
On top of this, Louis also founded D2 Rail’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion group, and volunteered on the TRU West Equality Diversity and Inclusion group as an ED&I Champion. He was a shining example of what new graduates can offer to the industry.
Express to success
This year, train operator Heathrow Express supports the Graduate of the Year Award. Heathrow Express is a high-speed train service connecting London Heathrow Airport with Paddington Station in central London. Launched in 1998, it offers the fastest route between the airport and the city centre, with journey times of approximately 15 minutes. The service runs every 15 minutes, providing a convenient and efficient option for travellers.
Catering primarily to business travellers and tourists seeking a quick and reliable airport transfer, Heathrow Express is known for its punctuality and comfort. In its 26 years of operation, over 100 million passengers have travelled with the operator.
Heathrow Express is a great place to work with a wide variety of jobs on offer from front line roles in station or terminal to roles in head office. The company offers plenty of opportunities for graduates and is excited about attracting the brightest minds. It values the skills and experience that university leavers bring to the table and understands the contribution they can make to the industry.
“Heathrow Express is proud to support the Graduate of the Year Award, recognising the invaluable contributions that emerging talent brings to our industry,” said Commercial Strategy Lead Mark Eastwood. “As a company committed to innovation and excellence, we understand the importance of empowering the next generation of rail professionals.
“Graduates bring fresh energy, diverse perspectives, and cutting-edge knowledge, all of which are essential to driving the future of rail. We are proud to champion their achievements and support their journey as they help shape the future of the industry.”