Union Pacific Railroad a Strong Community Partner

Our objective with Tracks to the Future is to foster collaboration and explore workforce development opportunities between Union Pacific Railroad and our educational and community partners. Tracks to the Future aims to build on our successful strategies, redefining what’s possible in Safety, Service and Operational Growth. This initiative allows us to educate and engage community stakeholders, while also giving our employees the opportunity to share both successes and challenges they encounter in their roles. Our target audience is local leadership from high schools, trade schools, community colleges, universities, workforce organizations and community nonprofits.

Tracks to the Future will create an opportunity to have discussions on developing pathways for the rail industry and highlight opportunities to address workforce challenges, align education with industry needs and prepare for the evolving demands of transportation and logistics. It also will allow local Union Pacific leadership an opportunity to meet their community partners and discuss the challenges of filling career opportunities.

Attend a Tracks to the Future Event in Greater Des Moines

Join me at the upcoming Tracks to the Future event, which will take place Friday, May 16, 2025 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at IowaWorks, 200 Army Post Road in Des Moines. The event agenda will include the following:

• Introduction to UP local leadership
• Overview of operating functions
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• Networking with other community partners
• Safety initiatives
• Roundtable discussions
• Workforce development and careers

See the flyer for more details.

Key Takeaways from Previous Tracks to the Future

1. Workforce Development is a Priority: Addressing the skill gaps, promoting diverse recruitment and modernizing the industry’s image are critical to attracting and retaining talent.
2. Education and Training are Key: Collaboration with schools, colleges and workforce boards is essential to align programs with the rail industry’s technical, operational and safety requirements.
3. Internships and Apprenticeships Bridge Gaps: Structured, accessible programs provide hands-on experience, creating a seamless transition from education to employment.
4. Technology and Sustainability are Opportunities: Emphasizing innovation and environmental stewardship can attract the next generation of workers for future demands.
5. Stakeholder Collaboration is Crucial: Partnerships with community leaders, policymakers and industry groups create a unified approach to workforce challenges.

Action Items and Strategies in Progress

1. Developing Industry-Stakeholder Partnerships: Will continue meeting through “Tracks to the Future: A Union Pacific Experience”, with educational institutions, government leadership, workforce development and industry groups to design rail specific curricula and programs.
2. Launch Outreach Campaigns: Start to promote Union Pacific as a technology-forward, sustainable and diverse career destination. Utilize stakeholder’s social media, newsletters and meetings to promote Union Pacific.
3. Implement Training Programs: Initiate discussions on internships, apprenticeships, and upskilling programs with a focus on technology and safety.
4. Secure Funding and Resources: Advocate for public-private partnerships and government grants to sustain workforce initiatives. Everyone needs to have skin in the game and should share the funding support.
5. Monitor and Evolve: Continue to utilize Tracks to the Future: A Union Pacific Experience to evaluate progress and adapt strategies to meet changing workforce and industry needs.

Wins for the Event

1. Strengthened Partnerships: New connections with educational institutions, workforce boards and community leaders set the stage for collaboration solutions.
2. Increased Awareness: Stakeholders and internal employees gained a deeper understanding of Union Pacific’s “How We Win” strategy and the critical role we play in job creation, sustainability and logistics.
3. Actionable Commitments: Starting the discussions around clear action plans for developing training programs, launching outreach efforts and addressing skill gaps emerged as key outcomes.
4. Positive Community Engagement: Tracks to the Future: A Union Pacific Experience highlighted Union Pacific’s commitment to investing in local communities and fostering economic growth.

Learn more about Union Pacific at up.com.

Job opportunities and career resources are abundant in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Whether you're looking to find an internship, a job, develop professionally or grow as a student, we have the resources to help you thrive.