Interview with former trainee Paul Mayoraz

Paul Mayoraz, a former trainees at FTE, has now embarked on a promising career at SBB Infrastructure. We sat down with him, asking how he remembers his time with us.   His journey with FTE was marked by significant learning experiences, impactful projects, and memorable interactions with colleagues from across Europe. As he transitions into his new role, we are excited to share his insights and reflections on his time with us and his aspirations for the future. 

Looking back at your time as a trainee with us, what kind of projects or tasks did you get involved in? 

During my traineeship, I was primarily engaged with the TCR (Temporary Capacity Restrictions)-Working group. I had the invaluable opportunity to contribute to the design of the RU-proposition for handling TCR in Timetable Redesign project. This experience involved extensive learning from both RUs and IMs across Europe, focusing on process design and effective communication. 

What key learnings or skills did you gain during your traineeship that you believe will be most valuable in your new job and future career? 

One of the most crucial lessons I learned is that while everyone strives for the best solution, reality varies significantly across countries. It’s vital to listen and understand the perspectives of various stakeholders to navigate these complexities effectively. 

Can you share some of the best memories, and maybe also challenges? 

The highlights of my traineeship undoubtedly revolve around the wonderful people I met. I had the privelige to participate to FTE Conferences and working groups, where I interacted with a diverse group of passionate individuals from all over Europe, ranging from the young to the highly experienced, all united by a shared dedication to enhancing the railway system for customers. 

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for a traineeship at FTE? What qualities or mindset do you think are important to make the most of this opportunity? 

I would advise prospective trainees to approach this opportunity with an open mind and a strong sense of curiosity. There's always more to learn, and our colleagues and partners are eager to share their knowledge and insights. 

As of August, you started in your new railway job. What are your responsibilities? 

On August 1st, I began my new role as management support for the Head of Availability and Maintenance at SBB Infrastructure. Our mission is to maintain a high level of availability for RUs utilizing our infrastructure—addressing immediate challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability through maintenance and infrastructure renewal. My role involves supporting strategic decisions and communication as well as process and transformation projects. I strive to leverage my experience with RUs to maintain focus on the broader picture and the needs of our RU "customers". 

At FTE, we are incredibly proud of Paul's progress and are confident that he will continue to make significant contributions to the railway sector. We wish him the very best in his new role and are delighted that such talented individuals are committed to advancing railway industry.