SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is backing young professionals to join the rail industry.
Mr Rowlands, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Transport, recently joined a panel at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay for the second annual Politics in Rail event hosted by Young Rail Professionals Wales.
He joined fellow Senedd members for the YRP Wales Politics in Rail 2025 – A day of Insight, Inspiration & Impact.
Mr Rowlands said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of the panel and be able to contribute to the discussions about the future of our railways and how important it is to attract more young people into this industry.
“It was great to listen to members of the Young Rail Professionals Wales and how the organisation helps to promote, inspire and develop young people to reach their potential in this field.
“We also discussed on how the outcome of the next Senedd election could shape the future of the industry in Wales.”
The day began with a powerful opening speech from Katie Williams (YRP Wales Chair), who brought the history of our venue to life. She reminded everyone that the Pierhead Building was once the headquarters of the Cardiff Railway Company.
Joining Mr Rowlands on the panel, which was chaired by Lewis Brencher, Executive Director of Customer and Communications – Transport for Wales was Robin Smith – Rail Freight Group; Peredur Owen Griffiths MS – Plaid Cymru Plaid Cymru Spokesperson for Transport; Stuart Evans – Welsh Government and Katie Allister – Cogitamus.
The panellists discussed the diversity of roles across the industry from operations & infrastructure to policy and innovation and how showcasing these pathways is key to inspiring future professionals.
The conversation also touched on funding models, weighing the push for value for money and reduced subsidy against the recognition of rail as a vital public service.
Looking ahead, the panel reflected on how the outcome of the next Senedd election could shape the future of the industry in Wales, influencing priorities, investment, and long-term strategy.
