High Speed Rail Apprentice Network Conference

The High Speed Rail Apprentice Network conference will provide an opportunity for apprentices to network with other apprentices and senior experts from across the rail industry. Speakers include:

• Mark Thurston, CEO, HS2 Ltd (confirmed)

• Jim Brewin, Chief Director UK & Ireland, Hitachi Rail (confirmed)

• Maria Griffin, HS2 Project Director for the Hitachi Alstom High Speed Joint Venture (confirmed)

The agenda is evolving but will be a mixture of panel sessions, workshops and reverse mentoring, along with the opportunity to informally network with a wide range of apprentices from across the HSRG membership.

Please note there will be free transport laid on to bring delegates from Darlington Station. There is also some parking at the venue. So you will be asked on registration how you are planning to get to the conference, to enable us to plan for this.

There will also be the opportunity for a visit to Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe factory after the event from 4.35pm, which will take around an hour. Again, you will be asked if you would like to take advantage of the tour on registration.

AGENDA

11.00 - 11:05 Welcome address by Jim Brewin, CEO, Hitachi Rail

11.05 – 11.15 Welcome address by Maria Griffin, HS2 Project Director, Hitachi Alstom High Speed Joint Venture

11.15 - 11:40 Keynote speech by Mark Thurston, CEO, HS2 Ltd

11.40 – 13.00Workshop session – future travel and HS2 – capturing the following themes:

1. Connectivity on the network and to other modes

2. Inclusive travel

3. Future passenger experience

Hitachi’s role in building the HS2 Trains of the future

Barrie Cottam from Hitachi on future mobility in the context of the trains

Workshop feedback and discussion

13.00 – 14.00 Networking lunch break

14:00 – 14.45 “Owning Your Career” What’s next after an apprenticeship? Panel Session and Q & A

14:45 – 15:20 One to One Discussion and Q & A - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, how diversity impacts on early career experiences – with Natalie Penrose, Head of Legacy, HS2 Ltd and Tolulope Joshua from SCS Railways. To cover how HS2 has embedded EDI as part of the culture and driven EDI and skills / employment commitments across supply chain/ how important diversity is in the workforce and how it impacts on early career experiences.

15:20 – 15:30

Comfort break

15:30 – 16:15

Reverse mentoring session with senior industry representatives

16:15 - 16:30 Closing remarks from Jim Brewin, Hitachi

16:30 Site tour for those signed up in advance

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Glow Church, 2 Long Tens Way, Newton Aycliffe, United Kingdom