Despite facing significant challenges, industry leaders delivered a resounding message: the future of rail remains bright.
As headline sponsor of the event, Amaro joined organisers, ASAV Rail, in bringing together experts from across the sector to address some of the most pressing issues facing the railway industry today. The comprehensive programme tackled critical topics including competency and training, succession planning, and mental health management, creating what attendees described as an overwhelming sense of positivity and determination for real change.
The conference featured compelling presentations from Amaro’s leadership team, including Managing Director Michael Ewart, who opened proceedings with a deeply personal reflection on his 34-year journey in rail. Starting as a British Rail trainee, Ewart’s career has spanned privatisation with major contractors including Balfour Beatty and Jarvis Rail, culminating in his current role leading Amaro.
“The possibilities in rail are endless,” Ewart told delegates. “Yes, we’re facing tough times, but we’ve weathered storms before. Rail has been Britain’s transport backbone for nearly two centuries and will continue to be.”
A particularly poignant moment came from Engineering and Operations Director John Waugh, who marked his 31st anniversary in the industry by addressing one of its most critical challenges. His presentation, “Passing the baton: succession planning in the railway industry”, highlighted stark statistics that demand immediate attention. By 2030, 30% of the railway workforce will be aged 55 or over, rising to 37% by 2040, with the industry facing a 30% shortfall in railway signalling engineers by 2030 alone.
“Without proper succession planning, we simply won’t have a railway industry,” Waugh warned, sharing his own journey from heating technician to senior director as an example of the career possibilities available.
The conference also showcased the next generation of railway professionals, with Amaro apprentices Laura and Jack stepping forward to participate in an on-stage Q&A session, offering valuable perspectives on training and succession planning from those at the start of their careers.
The event demonstrated that whilst the industry acknowledges its challenges, including uncertainty surrounding CP7 funding and skills shortages, there remains a collective determination to address them. Amaro’s work tier one contractors like Murphy’s, AtkinsRealis, and Arcadis through to direct collaboration with Network Rail, illustrating the breadth of opportunities available.
The conference served as a powerful reminder that the railway industry’s greatest asset has always been its people, showcasing the depth of talent and commitment within the sector at a time when it’s needed most.
