The rail industry in the UK is encountering intricate challenges ahead, and it is evident that a transformation in recruitment practices is necessary. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, I firmly assert that the manner in which individuals are recruited into the rail sector demands substantial reform. This is why I am delighted to be engaged in rail recruitment as the Co-Founder of Lost Group, a technology-led matching company dedicated to ushering the right talent into the rail industry.
My extensive career in the transport sector has furnished me with a distinctive viewpoint on the industry. Through various roles at London Underground, British Airways, and with several train operating companies, I have acquired valuable insights into the intricacies of the rail sector. This experience has driven me to collaborate with Co-Founder John McArthur to establish Lost Group, where our principal aim is to innovate rail recruitment using unique technology and a client-driven model.
The crux of our approach lies in comprehending and valuing the rail industry. It is imperative to pinpoint candidates who resonate with the values and ethos of the industry and are dedicated to propelling it forward. This perspective goes beyond the customary ‘bums on seats’ approach and strives to bring about a significant shift in the recruitment model, guaranteeing that the right individuals are situated in the right positions.
Lost Group’s technology-based model focuses on empowering the customer to access a database of rail candidates and make well-informed recruitment decisions. Our objective, evidence-based evaluation of CVs ensures that clients have access to the most suitable recruits for their organizational requirements. Furthermore, our model supports diversity and inclusion, championing a more comprehensive recruitment process.
In tandem with identifying and recruiting the right candidates, mentorship is also pivotal in nurturing aspiring young professionals in the rail industry. We aspire to institute mechanisms to acknowledge and support talent on the frontline, facilitating their progression into senior positions. This involves creating development opportunities and fostering a culture of mentorship within the industry.
My fervour for public transport and the rail industry propels me to advocate for change in the approach to recruitment. I staunchly believe that reshaping the recruitment landscape is imperative for the industry to navigate the challenges it currently confronts. Lost Group is committed to steering this change and is resolved to play a significant role in shaping the future of rail recruitment.
In conclusion, the future of the rail industry hinges on its capacity to adapt to evolving needs and challenges. By reconceptualising the way individuals are recruited, we can forge a more resilient and inclusive industry that is primed to flourish in the years to come. Lost Group stands prepared to lead the way in this pivotal transformation.