RISSB: New horizons for industry’s best

Industry Associations

New Horizons for industry’s best in 2022

The Horizons Program helps young technical professionals in the rail sector grow their skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, communication, and collaboration.

This year, Horizons Program 3.0 participants attended more than 80 presentations and 16 workshops delivered by technical and industry executives, and heard from 25 CEOs or chairs of transport-related organisations.

Rail organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand are being encouraged to learn, network and grow their way through an immersive seven-month development program developed exclusively by the Rail Industry Safety and Standards Board for industry.

RISSB’s Horizons Program helps young technical professionals (aged 35 and under) grow their 21st century skills — such as critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, communication, and collaboration — alongside other handpicked leaders from industry who are on a similar journey.

The dynamic program features presentations on key technologies, interactive workshops, panel discussions with industry leaders, and group projects and presentations, delivered in both virtual and face-to-face forums.

This year, Horizons Program 3.0 participants attended more than 80 presentations and 16 workshops delivered by technical and industry executives, and heard from 25 CEOs or chairs of transportrelated organisations. And with a total of 65 participants, there was plenty of opportunity for networking with other young professionals.

In 2022, Horizons Program 4.0 will continue to be run as a smart and sustainable program that offers opportunities like no other.

In 2022, attendees will be able to: • Meet CEOs, COOs and senior managers of major transport-related organisations located throughout Australia • Hear first-hand from industry leaders who are either developing or implementing new technologies • Develop stronger networks by meeting and working with peers from right across

Australia • Learn about innovation and new technology • Develop their leadership potential • Learn how to collaborate, communicate and influence • Assist RISSB and ultimately the rail industry to more broadly drive value in safety and productivity.

Since the program’s inception two years ago, more than 160 people from about 50 companies have participated. Program attendees have come from passenger operators, freight operators, track managers, consultants, constructors, manufacturers, ONRSR, ATSB, the National Transport Commission, various Government departments and the tertiary sector.

As said by one Horizons graduate, the Horizons Program offers “… a fantastic opportunity to network with the next generation of railway technical, safety management lead and operational experts and industry leaders. We’ve had a unique opportunity to view some of the latest technology and projects in the Australian rail industry and learn some valuable lessons from a wide range of industry and experts.”

The positive sentiment was echoed by another participant, who said there was quite simply no other program like it in industry, possibly even globally.

If you would like more information about the program or to find out your candidate’s suitability for the program, please contact Phil Allan at RISSB via email pallan@rissb.com.au.

The Horizons Program is aimed at technical professionals aged 35 and under who have been identified as high potential leaders and is open to any individual in the rail industry.

Undertaking the program requires a seven-month commitment to attend all presentations and forums and participate in all online and face-to-face group activities.

All nominations must put forward by a manager who will act as both a RISSB contact and leadership mentor. Individual nominations will not be accepted. For more information about the program, visit https://www.rissb.com.au/horizons-program/.