News Roundup – Issue 2
Welcome to our latest news round-up
In this blog, we’ll share updates and highlights from across our business, providing you with insights and news on our activities and achievements.
News and updates
Compliance Manager Pat McCarthy, along with colleagues from the NRL Sunderland recruitment branch, participated in the Career Transitions Partnership employment fair in York. At this event, Pat shared advice and insights drawn from his experience in the Royal Air Force. The day proved to be invaluable, offering expert career guidance and job opportunities to service personnel considering their next career move as they leave the Armed Forces.
As part of the NRL Group’s wider commitment to support important causes, during the Christmas period, a donation was made to the Barnsley Foodbank to support those in need. The contribution aimed to provide essential supplies to families and individuals facing financial hardships during the holiday season.
Team updates
We are pleased to share exciting updates about our team’s latest developments. Since the last issue of our News Roundup, Selina Benton has received a promotion, and we have welcomed Kenzie Mellor as our new Apprentice.
Selina Benton
Promoted to Operations Manager
Kenzie Mellor
Apprentice Administrator
Team Q&A
For this issue, we spoke with Operations Manager Selina Benton, who last year celebrated 10 years with NRL Rail.
What key factors have contributed to your success over the past 10 years at NRL?
I firmly believe that the key factors for me have been consistency/steady progress and team support.
When I started in the Rail division as an Administrator, I came from a Financial administration background, so it was a new industry and a LOT of new terminology.
Rail was a relatively small team, but the employees here had a wealth of experience and were supportive by sharing their knowledge. As an administrator you get involved in so many roles and it gave me a chance to learn so much from that level which in turn helped understand how certain parts of the business worked.
Which new responsibilities and challenges you are most excited about in your role as Operations Manager?
I’m excited about the opportunities of advancement within the company in my new role. It motivates me to be continuously learning and developing.
I appreciate the chance to be more involved with decision making and look forward to helping the other team member grown in their roles by delegating tasks that will encourage their growth.
What do you enjoy most about working at NRL, and what keeps you motivated?
I enjoy the positive work environment and strong team relationships.
It makes you feel appreciated working for a company that will invest in my growth and provide support and resourcing for development.
Things like the Christmas conference and long service awards are examples of ways that NRL go above and beyond to show appreciation to their staff and make them feel part of a collaborative success.
How has your experience been as a woman in the rail sector, and how can the industry encourage more women to pursue careers in this field?
In all honesty I don’t believe that being a female has hindered my path or development in the role. I would encourage any female (or male) to pursue a career in this field – or any field that interests them.
My experience is that if you have a supportive team, are confident in your abilities and enjoy what you do then it doesn’t matter if you are male or female. In terms of the job, albeit trackwork is still a strongly dominated workforce, many of the clients we speak to, who have more office base roles – like mine – are female. I also do see a change in the people who are applying for track roles and more girls wanting to get into this field which is really good.