Network Rail is backing the search for the Brunel of the future by sponsoring a prestigious new industry-wide award. The Young Railway Person of the Year Award will go to the person who can demonstrate their excellence in one area – be it their enthusiasm in their everyday work, their approach to teamwork or simply their can do, will do attitude to anything that is thrown at them.

John Armitt, Network Rail’s Chief Executive said: “As a railwayman myself, I hope we can find that person who has really made a difference and through them encourage others to follow in the footsteps of the great Brunel.  However, our search isn’t just about engineers – it’s anyone who has gone that extra mile for Britain’s railways.”

Anyone under the age of 30 working in the rail industry can be nominated for this award, which will give much deserved recognition to the promising talents emerging across the industry.

The three finalists will be chosen by a panel of industry experts from across the businesses.  They will be invited to join the Network Rail table at the Brunel Banquet to be held at the Passenger Shed in Bristol on 15 September where the winner will be announced.

The award is just one of the many initiatives linked to the 200th anniversary celebrations of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.  Network Rail has the unique honour of safeguarding much of Brunel’s legacy, including his drawings and structures. Nominations should be made in writing to youngrailwayperson@networkrail.co.uk by 1 September 2006.

Nominees must be 30 or under on 1 September 2006 and come from any part of the railway industry. They should have demonstrated the following attributes:
VALUES: Dependability; excellence; integrity; safety; self-confidence
BEHAVIOURS: Can do, will do; enthusiasm; pride; teamwork