Norfolk Southern (NS) recently recognized nearly 50 Rail Transportation Management Trainees at its Atlanta, Ga., headquarters who completed the Class I’s training program and have been placed into permanent, full-time positions across the 22-state network.
NS’s months-long Transportation Management Trainee program combines hands-on training, rotations within its Operations Division, and leadership development for train and engine employee supervision. “From mastering railroad operations to earning their Conductor certifications at the NS Training Center, they’ve built the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their careers,” NS reported Nov. 19.
“All of you are important to the future of Norfolk Southern,” NS Chief Operating Officer John Orr told the graduates at the ceremony, according to NS. “Your newly developed skills, coupled with your past experiences, add to the richness and capabilities of our network. You are stepping into new roles what will be challenging and rewarding. This is a great time in our railroad’s history. We have renewed our commitment to Service and Operational Excellence, and we are creating a very compelling and competitive platform for growth. I encourage you all to fully participate in your career development, and enjoy your new positions on the Thoroughbred team.”
Orr was among the NS leaders who presented at the event. Others included: Board Member Sameh Fahmy, SVP Transportation Tim Livingston, VP Transportation-Northern Region Rodney Moore, VP Transportation-Southern Region Dewayne Swindall, and AVP Enterprise Resources Mina De Oliveira.
Additionally, cross functional teams presented group projects to a panel of senior management and received critical feedback that focused on process improvements and empowering trainees to speak up, NS reported.
“I have learned a great deal through this program, including railroad terminology and processes, how to solve real world supply chain issues, and how to lead people,” said Will Wren, a 2023 graduate of Auburn University in Supply Chain Management. “My goals at NS are to grow personally and keep learning something new every day.” Wren now applies his skills as a Terminal Supervisor in Norfolk, Va.
“I have added many tools to my belt due to the program,” added Tyra Jemison, now a Road Supervisor in Irondale, Ala., who had a 10-year military career and served two deployments. “I always look for ways to improve as a leader and team player and I appreciate the program for providing the tools and opportunity to network with others in my field to gain the necessary knowledge. I look forward to continuing to grow at NS and learn as much as I can to be a more effective leader and team player.”
NS concluded that it is proud to invest in “developing our leaders, equipping them to tackle the challenges of tomorrow and shape the future of rail.”
