Belgium (Brussels Morning Newsaper), Since 2007, the European Railway Award showcases rail’s impressive capabilities and organisers are now looking for the next winner of the “Rail Trailblazer” Award.
2023 was designated the ‘European Year of Skills’, an EU initiative which aims to address skills gaps in the Union and boost the EU skills strategy.It is hoped this will help reskill people with the focus on digital and green technology skills.
The rail sector says it is particularly aware of the challenges of attracting and training workers that are well-equipped for the digital and green transitions. From gaps in skills to an ageing workforce, there are numerous obstacles to overcome to ensure rail has access to the skilled labour it needs.
Organisers of the European Railway Award 2024 want to recognise the impressive work being done to attract, train and retain new talent in the sector.
Questions asked include: how is your organisation (company, institution) tackling today’s skills challenges? Have you spearheaded a successful recruitment or training programme that can pave the way towards a stronger rail workforce? What projects are delivering tangible results to future-proof rail’s skill profiles?
A spokesman for the organisers told this site: “We are accepting the nomination of candidates responding to the eligibility criteria.
“Nominations can be for any individual, project or initiative that made a significant contribution to the promotion of skills in the European rail sector in any of the following areas: training, re- or up-skilling, educational outreach, bridging skills gaps, job quality, social responsibility.
“The candidate must be based in Europe
“Nominations must be for a relevant achievement with proven results demonstrating innovative thought leadership, inspiring activism or pioneering strategies and techniques that support skill development and bring real added value for the rail sector.
“Nominations must include a clear description of the achievement that the candidate is being nominated for and be accompanied by a proper set of supporting documents.”
Entries should be submitted by 30 September.
Eligible candidates will be shortlisted and submitted to an external jury composed of rail sector CEOs, high-level decision makers from European and international institutions, former winners and selected journalists, who will vote to determine the laureate.
