The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) is launching a new e-mentoring program for the rail industry.
The program builds on other mentoring initiatives run by the ARA, including its Women in Rail Mentoring Program to provide connections and advice for rail professionals, said CEO of the ARA Caroline Wilkie.
“Mentoring is widely acknowledged as an effective professional development tool across the world.”
The e-mentoring program has been designed to specifically continue to forge relationships within the rail industry while many work from home or separate from their colleagues.
“The digital nature of the program is well suited to accommodate current distancing restrictions in place in Australia and New Zealand,” said Wilkie.
The program will run for six months, from July to December 2020 and is open to all employees of ARA member organisations. 40 mentoring pairs will be selected. Wilkie said that the program is designed to benefit the whole industry.
“The ARA program offers rail employees mentoring by senior rail professionals,” she said. “It is particularly useful for those working in small to medium enterprises who wound not ordinarily have the opportunity to partner with mentors from across the industry.”
Pairs will be selected by the ARA Rail e-Mentoring Committee to find the best alignment for participants.
A program information webinar will be held on May 1 and applications close on May 25.
“The program is a fantastic opportunity for those wanting to advance their career and learn from the best in the sector.”