Arriva backs initiative to inspire future generations

Leading European transport group Arriva is backing an initiative that aims to inspire future generations of rail professionals in the UK rail industry.

Arriva has become a Platinum Level Corporate Member of Young Rail Professionals (YRP). YRP helps young people beginning their career in the railway industry by providing opportunities for professional development and networking, and encourages those still in education to consider careers in the rail industry.

Arriva is one of the largest providers of passenger transport in Europe, with buses and trains in 14 countries providing more than 2.2 billion passenger journeys every year. It operates around 14 per cent of the UK’s passenger rail network through six operating companies, Arriva Trains Wales, CrossCountry, Chiltern Railways, Grand Central, London Overground Rail Operations and Tyne and Wear Metro, in addition to owning Alliance Rail, which explores open access opportunities, and LNWR, a train maintenance company.

Arriva HR director – UK, Rachel Baldwin, said: “The UK rail industry offers a tremendous range of opportunities for young people in many different roles. By supporting this initiative we’re helping to capture what’s great about this industry and the people who work in it, and use that to inspire future generations. Our railways offer rich heritage, incredible skills and a great platform for learning and development.”

Adam Stead, Chairman of YRP said: “We're delighted to welcome Arriva as our newest Platinum level corporate member. We're very much looking forward to welcoming many of their young employees at our professional development and networking events to help the industry become familiar with the Arriva group of companies and its operations."

Since establishing in 2009, YRP has now become an important stakeholder in the future of the railway industry by bringing together professionals at different points in their careers to help promote, inspire and develop the next generation of railway talent.

Notes to editors:

• Arriva is one of the largest providers of passenger transport in Europe, employing nearly 56,000 people and delivering more than 2.2 billion passenger journeys every year.
• We provide transport services including buses, trains, commuter coaches and waterbuses, and operate in 14 European countries: Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
• Arriva is part of Deutsche Bahn, one of the world’s leading passenger transport and logistics service providers. Headquartered in Sunderland, UK, Arriva is responsible for Deutsche Bahn's regional passenger transport services outside Germany.

Contact: Group communications, Arriva plc on +44 (0)191 520 4106. For media enquiries outside of normal office hours, we can be contacted on our 24-hour media pager service on +44 (0)7623 920 615.

Young Rail Professionals (YRP)

Founded in 2009, YRP is a not for profit organisation run by volunteers from across the rail industry including engineers, operators, infrastructure managers, marketing, legal, HR, and consultants taking a total industry view to promote a joined-up rail industry. Our aims are to Inspire, Promote and Develop the next generation of industry professionals. We have over 1,300 members and actively promote the rail industry as a career to young people in schools, colleges, and universities (www.youngrailpro.com).