Norfolk Southern’s Management Trainee program is a comprehensive leadership training program that offers participants on-the-job and professional training along with Operations Division rotations. Upon successful completion of the program, trainees are placed into permanent, full-time positions.

We recently recognized a team of close to 50 Rail Transportation Management Trainees at our Atlanta headquarters who completed the program and are now in transportation roles throughout the network. Each successfully completed months-long management and railroad operations training, which included, ensuring everything starts with safety, learning the intricacies of railroad operations, and developing the skills needed to supervise train and engine employees. They also successfully completed the Conductor Trainee program at the Norfolk Southern Training Center, where they gained invaluable hands-on experience in an operations environment, and became certified conductors.

“All of you are important to the future of Norfolk Southern. Your newly developed skills, coupled with your past experiences, add to the richness and capabilities of our network,” said John Orr, Chief Operating Officer. “You are stepping into new roles what will be challenging and rewarding. This is a great time in our railroad’s history. We have renewed our commitment to Service and Operational Excellence, and we are creating a very compelling and competitive platform for growth. I encourage you all to fully participate in your career development, and enjoy your new positions on the Thoroughbred team"

Presenting with Orr at the closing ceremony included Sameh Fahmy, NS Board Member; Tim Livingston, SVP Transportation; Rodney Moore, VP Transportation-Northern Region; Dewayne Swindall, VP Transportation-Southern Region; and Mina De Oliveira, AVP Enterprise Resources.

Additionally, cross functional teams presented group projects to a panel of senior management and received critical feedback which focused on process improvements and empowering trainees to speak up. A certificate presentation ceremony was held that day for participants who completed the program.

Learning and growing every day from the recent graduates

“I have learned a great deal through this program, including railroad terminology and processes, how to solve real world supply chain issues, and how to lead people,” said Will Wren, a 2023 graduate of Auburn University in Supply Chain Management. “My goals at NS are to grow personally and keep learning something new every day.” Wren now applies his skills as a terminal supervisor in Norfolk, Virginia, helping ensure our operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Similarly, Tyra Jemison, a Road Supervisor in Irondale, Alabama, brings a wealth of experience from her nearly 10-year military career, where she served two deployments. “I have added many tools to my belt due to the program. I always look for ways to improve as a leader and team player and I appreciate the program for providing the tools and opportunity to network with others in my field to gain the necessary knowledge. I look forward to continuing to grow at NS and learn as much as I can to be a more effective leader and team player.”

Management Trainees work throughout NS in a broad range of functional areas. This legacy speaks to the power and impact of the program, as it continues to forge leaders who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.