The Railway Technical Society of Australasia (RTSA), which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has been commended by Engineers Australia for its Professional Development initiatives.
Speaking at the second RTSA Professional Development Symposium in Sydney on 12 February 2008, Steve Dilli Associate Director, Professional Development Program at Engineers Australia pointed out that the RTSA is the first industry-based organisation which has embarked on a structured approach towards professional development to improve the standing of railway professionals and to assist industry efforts to address the critical skilled work force shortage.Several presenters, representing various sectors within railway industry, also participated in this half day seminar. It was evident that large and successful orgnisations within the railway industry are already participating, or are trialling, a professional development program (PDP). They regard PDP as an essential component to attract and retain high calibre professionals within their organisations. The PDP programs adopted by the majority of these organisations are linked to the Engineers Australia professional development program. It is acknowledged that the introduction of the RTSA professional development program complements these programs and it creates an opportunity for railway professionals working in smaller organisations (which do not have a structured program) and elevates the professional standing of the entire railway industry. It is anticipated that such a benchmark development program will prepare the railway industry to cope with modern work force practices, where significant movements occur among young professionals in the early part of their career.
As part of the PDP program, the RTSA is currently seeking expressions of interest from experienced professionals to provide mentoring support for young graduates joining the railway industry. Research has shown that mentoring provides significant benefits to those who are providing the support. The benefits include improved professional recognition, an increased support network and provision of intrinsic satisfaction and self fulfilment in playing a part in shaping the future of the railway industry.
It was identified during the Symposium that fragmentation within the railway industry has led to a lack of comprehensive training opportunities in various fields within railway technology and it is one of the stumbling blocks to creating well rounded railway engineers. A rotational training program, administered by an industry body, may alleviate this training difficulty and could assist in improving this requirement. The rotational graduate training program developed in Melbourne by the Rail Tram Industry Infrastructure Committee (RTIIC) was identified as a possible model for consideration.
The Symposium also identified that railway organisations should become more proactive with promotion amongst young school leavers and early undergraduate students to encourage them to consider a career within the railway industry. The RTSA is planning to conduct presentations to first and second year undergraduates in various Universities to highlight opportunities within the railway industry.