Tracks to the Future

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The QR Registration Code on the attached flyer goes to a Microsoft Form at https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=oB4MSh6skU629M_LiLGs-GIQKouAcatBqpPD3d074tFUNVc1VjFDMTc3RjhXRFVGTERPRE4wNERYQi4u&origin=QRCode.
 
Read more about their initiative:
 
From: Ken Kuwamura Jr <[email protected]>
Subject: You're Invited: Tracks to the Future September 24, 2025 at Saint Paul College
Dear Community Stakeholders,
We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Tracks to the Future event, taking place on Tuesday, September 24, 2025, at Saint Paul College (235 Marshall Ave, St. Paul, MN 55102).
This event is a great opportunity to connect, collaborate, and explore the future of transportation and infrastructure in our community. We’d love for you to join us—and feel free to invite others who may be interested!
To help us plan accordingly, especially for food and seating, please use the QR code attached to register. Your RSVP is important so we can ensure a great experience for everyone.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you there!
Thanks,
Ken Kuwamura Jr


Our objective with Tracks to the Future is to foster collaboration and explore workforce development opportunities between Union Pacific 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 non-profits.
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 Uinon Pacific leadership an opportunity to meet their community partners and discuss the challenges of filling career opportunities. 
 
 
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 at this point:
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.​