Rebekah Chambless on Railway
Rail Industry Outlook
Economic factors have always contributed to the ebbs and flows of our nationwide railway industry. While the pandemic altered trendlines significantly in 2020, the sector continues to demonstrate resilient, upward momentum driven by evolving transportation demands in automotive, eCommerce, and agriculture.
Overall, industry experts remain cautiously optimistic about adapting to macroeconomic fluctuations. As trade volumes expand, critical job vacancies are opening across the network, and rail and freight employers are actively seeking skilled, adaptable talent to drive operations forward.
To share some targeted expertise on the ins and outs of the Rail industry, we sat down with Talascend’s veteran Senior Delivery Manager, Rebekah Chambless.
What is your position, and main responsibilities at Talascend?
I am a Senior Delivery Manager at Talascend and have been with the company for thirteen (13) years. I spend most of my time recruiting in support of our direct hire business; primarily for engineering and professional technical roles within the rail, oil and gas, nuclear, manufacturing, and automotive sectors.
What trends have you seen in the past or foresee in the future regarding the Rail Industry?
Our recruiting experience in the rail industry has ranged from the manufacturing and maintenance/repair sector, to the inspection and signaling parts of the industry. Although it has been a volatile year for the large Class 1 rail companies, the service providers and smaller companies that we work with have seen a consistent demand for good talent. As the rail industry grows in the U.S., I expect to continue to see a larger number of roles becoming available.
What does the Rail Industry look for in their employees?
The rail industry tends to be a tighter-knit community, and we see a big demand for candidates with good job stability and work history. It is not unusual to see candidates who spend most of their careers with a small number of companies and continue to progress into higher-level positions. There are excellent opportunities for development and advancement within the industry. We also have seen deep potential for candidates from other technical industries to cross over to rail and excel.
What has changed in the industry from recent months?
As with every other industry, the rail sector has faced uncertainty due to broader economic shifts. However, despite wider macro headwinds, we have still seen a stable number of rail positions coming available from our clients. Additionally, employers are increasingly open to candidates from parallel fields. Since the rail sector is intrinsically linked to every other sector of industry, many professionals already have some exposure or possess the transferable skill sets necessary to transition cleanly into railway operations.
Any other thoughts or comments on the Rail Industry or staffing?
I have been consistently impressed with the companies we partner with in the railway industry because they offer top-notch benefits and long-term security. Combined with the steady opportunities for advancement and professional development we frequently observe, the industry offers exceptional career paths for candidates looking for a rewarding alternative journey.
For more information on Talascend’s dedicated technical support, or to align with a specialized industry recruiter:
Explore Rail Engineering Jobs & ResourcesAbout Talascend
Talascend is a specialized talent solutions firm connecting engineering, technical, and skilled trades professionals with the companies building America’s infrastructure, energy systems, defense capabilities, and manufacturing base. With nearly 80 years of industry experience, Talascend serves clients nationwide from its headquarters in Troy, Michigan.