The Challenge: Bridging the Generational Gap
Both the railroad industry and the railroad preservation field are facing a critical recruitment crisis. While the mid-20th century saw a surge of enthusiasm for railroading, that momentum hasn't naturally carried over to younger generations.
Today, there is a stark disconnect between traditional industry messaging and the way Millennials and Gen Z access information. Because of this technological and cultural gap, railroading is often perceived as "outdated." Without a modern approach to recruitment and engagement, the industry faces an unsustainable future as current professionals and volunteers retire without a new generation to take their place.
The NGR Solution
Next Generation Railroaders (NGR) was formed to bridge this gap. We don't just advocate for the next generation; we are the next generation. Incorporated in September 2023 as a Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) non-profit, NGR is led by a Board of Directors with decades of experience in railroading and historic preservation. Because our leaders are also part of the next generation, we sit at the intersection of industry expertise and our target audience’s perspective. We speak both languages fluently.
Our Strategic Goals
Revitalizing Industry Interest We are modernizing the image of railroading. Through targeted digital marketing and storytelling, NGR highlights the voices of younger professionals to show that the "Golden Age of Rail" is happening now. By promoting inclusivity and showcasing diverse career paths, we are building a vibrant, nationwide community of next-generation railroaders.
Standardizing Excellence Through Mentorship Safety and quality are the pillars of our industry. Our NGR-Certified Mentor (CM) Program creates a vetted network of industry leaders who are trained to provide safe, educational, and formative experiences. Every CM undergoes a rigorous background check and screening process, ensuring that our mentees learn from the best in a secure and professional environment.
Streamlining the Talent Pipeline Finding a way into the rail industry shouldn’t be a mystery. NGR serves as a centralized hub for recruitment, connecting motivated applicants with partner railroads and museums. By matching candidates based on location, skills, and goals, we provide our partners with a pipeline of invested, pre-screened talent ready to contribute to the workforce and the hobby.
Commitment to Inclusivity
We believe that diversity drives innovation. NGR is committed to inclusivity and welcoming all people into railroading. We expect all of our board members, certified mentorship (CM) participants, and community to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all next generation railroaders.