On 20 June 2025, the UIC Talent and Expertise Development Platform (TEDP) and its Talent Working Group officially launched an international mentoring programme. The initiative brings together professionals from different railway companies across the world to support cross-border learning and skills development.
The event was opened by HR Deputy Director and Head of HR Development Meryem Belhaj-Clot, UIC; Chair of the Talent and Expertise Development Platform Miguel Viana, the Railway Infrastructure Manager of Portugal (IP); and Chair of the Railway Talent Working Group Vito Pagliarisi, Italian State Railways (FS). They thanked participants for their active involvement in the inaugural session and their commitment to developing talent in the rail sector.
Ahead of the launch, a “Train the Trainers” session was held on 11 June 2025 to equip the mentors with essential tools and methods, including listening skills, feedback techniques, and guidance on how to structure mentoring discussions in an intercultural context.
Unlike traditional mentoring schemes, which connect mentors and mentees within the same company, this programme connects people from different organisations and cultural backgrounds. Over the next five months, each mentoring pair will meet regularly to exchange ideas, work on professional objectives, and reflect on key topics such as leadership, communication, and career development. The participating railway companies include the East Japan Railway Company (JR East), German Railways (DB), the Spanish Railway Infrastructure Manager (ADIF), the Italian Railway Network (RFI), Polish State Railways (PKP), National Railways of France (SNCF) Réseau, and Trenitalia France.
This kick-off session gathered all of the participants to introduce the programme’s goals, align expectations, and allow mentors and mentees to begin their discussions. Pagliarisi and Marta Francesconi from FS provided a detailed overview of the programme’s structure, outlining its objectives and timeline, as well as the support tools available to each mentoring pair.
Over a period of five months, mentoring pairs will continue to exchange ideas, maintain regular contact, and discuss suggested topics.
A closing session will be held during the TEDP’s next in-person meeting, scheduled for late November 2025. Participants will be invited to share their experiences, highlight what they have learnt, and discuss possible follow-up actions.
This programme is part of UIC’s broader efforts to promote talent development, share expertise, and create connections within the global rail community.
