The career now arriving at...

Siobhan Russel part of the KiwiRail graduate programme is learning from the ground up. Photo / Ted Baghurst

In this era of digital disruption, it might be reasonable to think millennials are interested only in working for the cool new technology companies, but it appears there is still strong interest in some of the "backbone of New Zealand" industries.

KiwiRail has a long history of employing and training graduates, but this year, for the first time, the company offered five places in a structured two-year graduate programme and received about 300 applications.

Mandy Simpson, KiwiRail's group manager – human resources, says the high calibre of the applicants meant it was hard narrowing down the candidates for a programme that's part of a drive to attract and grow a diverse group of young talent for future operational, technical and leadership roles across KiwiRail. Simpson also notes that for graduates looking for an industry with cool toys, KiwiRail is a great place to work.

"As well as complex machinery like our locomotives and ships, we work with tools including GPS monitoring, 3D printing and drones, and we're always looking to introduce new technology. More importantly, graduates who work for KiwiRail can feel they're contributing to the sustainable growth and development of New Zealand. Rail helps take trucks off roads, reduces congestion and produces fewer emissions. Our graduate programme offers a great opportunity to work for an industry that's helping our country reach sustainability goals."

KiwiRail's comprehensive programme sees graduates spend the first two months on a business familiarisation, travelling around the country to experience different business units. Simpson says this exposure ensures they understand how the business operates and how different areas interact.

The graduates are then each placed in different areas of the business.

"Over the two years, the graduates experience up to eight rotations in different areas," says Simpson.

"These are determined based on the area they're placed in, such as rolling stock, sales and commercial, operations or network services. They spend time in each core function within their business area, as well as a deep-dive into a completely different part of the business. The rotation phases include a mix of project and business-as-usual work."

Siobhan Russel, 22, saw the programme advertised online after achieving a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in finance and economics.

"I thought it looked like a really good role with a lot of variety," she says. "I was unsure of the exact area I wanted to work in, so exposure to all areas of the business seemed like an excellent opportunity to work out where I wanted to go in a business with so many different parts. In researching KiwiRail, I learnt about their drive to innovate and adapt to a changing industry, which I found very exciting and I knew it would be a role that would provide a wide range of opportunity."

Knowing your opinion is valued drives you to work hard and make a decent contribution to the business.

Siobhan Russel

Russel says the beauty of the programme is being able to shape the outcome at the end of the two years.

"With the help of mentors, buddies and other colleagues, during my rotations I'll be able to work out which areas I enjoy and where my strengths lie. I'd like to work towards a leadership role, but it will depend on my performance and the positions that are open."

She says the two-month familiarisation gave the graduates important perspectives and connections with people they might otherwise not have met.

Now she's started her rotations in operations, the time with staff on the ground and in the offices is enabling her to understand how it all comes together.

"I'm really enjoying a combination of work in the office and outside where you can see the action taking place," she says. "I'm gaining valuable knowledge from staff on the ground and in managerial positions. As I learn the processes and practices of the business, I'm constantly giving my feedback and identifying areas that I think could be improved. Knowing your opinion is valued drives you to work hard and make a decent contribution to the business. I've also been involved with several projects outside of business-as-usual and all of this is setting me up with the skills and knowledge I'll need to be a productive member of the team."

Graduates are assigned a buddy and a mentor, and Russel says she and her mentor meet formally on a regular basis.
"I've also spent my first rotation working with him, so we've been able to establish a strong relationship where I'm comfortable asking what I need to know. He's teaching me non-technical skills and guiding me on the steps I should be taking to maximise my potential at KiwiRail."

The buddy relationship is more informal and helps graduates feel at ease in the business. "A buddy is someone you can call for a chat or ask everyday advice," Russel says.

"In my case, my buddy is in a different business unit so she's giving me some good insight as to what's going on outside my own area. As a graduate fresh out of uni, it's really helpful having two people to give you their insight into the business and steer you in the right direction."

Russel says she's excited to be to be working with such hardworking and passionate people and to be part of an industry that will play an increasingly large part in growing New Zealand in transport and logistics.

Applications for the 2019 KiwiRail graduate programme are open now.