Earlier this month, we hosted a forum with KiwiRail, winners of the NZAGE 2023 Best Graduate Development Programme award. Thank you to everyone who joined us. For those who missed it, here’s a recap of the session, highlighting key points from Wanda Bowman, KiwiRail’s Talent Development Partner.

KiwiRail’s Graduate Development Programme Overview

KiwiRail runs a two-year rotational Graduate Development Programme designed to help graduates transition from education to full-time employment. It provides a structured approach to developing graduates’ technical, professional, and personal skills. As an award-winning programme, it not only delivers exceptional outcomes for participants but also benefits the entire organisation.

In the forum, Wanda shared the programme’s journey, beginning in 2018. Though the programme saw early success, like winning their first NZAGE award in 2019, COVID-19 posed challenges in 2020, as attention shifted within the business. Recognising the value of investing in future talent, KiwiRail revamped the programme in 2022. Since then, they’ve restructured the programme to focus on learning and development, enhancing both the quality of the graduate experience and its alignment with the company’s broader goals.

What Makes KiwiRail’s Programme Stand Out

A major component of KiwiRail’s programme is its rotational structure, allowing graduates to gain experience across multiple business units. KiwiRail’s diverse operations—spanning civil engineering, asset management, infrastructure, land ownership, and tourism—offer graduates the opportunity to develop a range of skills. Graduates might work on anything from maintaining rail infrastructure to leading environmental sustainability projects or working in KiwiRail’s property management department.

Wanda emphasised that KiwiRail’s programme stands out because of its tailored in-house training. Given the unique nature of the rail industry, much of the training is developed internally. This includes a framework based on four pillars: People, Execution, Self, and Future. Each graduate is given opportunities to develop skills in these areas through hands-on projects, site visits, and interactions with key stakeholders.

Key Programme Features:

• Graduate Induction: A comprehensive one-to-two-week onboarding session, focusing on bonding between graduates and introducing them to the company and its operations.
• Site Visits & Client Exposure: Graduates visit key operational sites and work closely with external clients like City Rail Link and Mainfreight, gaining real-world insights.
• Rotational Placements: Graduates rotate through different departments to diversify their skills, with mentorship and guidance provided throughout.
• Graduate Projects: Graduates are tasked with managing significant projects, often related to business improvement, fostering both leadership and execution skills.

Focus on Development and Inclusion

The programme also places significant emphasis on mentorship and support. Graduates work with multiple layers of guidance, including a direct manager, rotation managers, and a designated buddy (often a previous graduate). Wanda noted that this support structure fosters both professional growth and a sense of community, allowing graduates to navigate the challenges of entering the workforce.

In line with KiwiRail’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the programme also reflects the company’s goals of building a more diverse workforce. Graduates contribute fresh perspectives, helping address workforce gaps caused by an ageing demographic. Wanda explained how the programme helps inject new energy into KiwiRail, positively influencing both company culture and its operations.

Recognised Success

KiwiRail’s Graduate Development Programme is a clear success, with retention rates reaching 83% last year—a notable achievement considering the challenges brought by COVID-19. Wanda shared that the programme’s impact is evident not only in the number of graduates KiwiRail has retained but also in the expansion of the programme across various business units. Originally limited to engineering, it now includes finance, health and safety, environment, sustainability, and property management, reflecting its growing importance within the company.

Surveys consistently show positive feedback from participants. Graduates appreciate the structured support and opportunities provided, and the company continues to evolve the programme based on feedback from both graduates and business stakeholders.

Looking Ahead

KiwiRail’s programme has a solid foundation for continued success. The company remains focused on improving it through continuous feedback and adapting to future business needs. The executive team’s strong support has been crucial in the programme’s growth, with leadership actively engaging in key events such as inductions and graduations. This involvement from the top reinforces the programme’s significance within KiwiRail’s broader strategy for future-proofing its workforce.

KiwiRail’s Graduate Development Programme is a standout in the industry. Its in-house design, strong mentorship, and commitment to diversity make it an exemplary model for other organisations. The programme not only benefits graduates but also plays a pivotal role in shaping KiwiRail’s future.

We hope those who attended the forum took away valuable insights. For those preparing their 2024 award submissions, we encourage you to take inspiration from KiwiRail’s approach to graduate development.

Thank you KiwiRail for sharing your insights with us!