Recruitment
“My nominee for the WIR award for the Learning and Development Award is Amanda Hopkins, Talent and Development Advisor. This nomination seeks to set out why I am grateful for Amanda and explains the reasons we feel she is worthy of this award.
For many years, Amanda has flown the flag for CrossCountry's Management Graduate programme, and it is thanks to Amanda that this is a best in class programme within the UK Train Operating Company world. Amanda sees that all graduates have a rich, varied and exciting experience whilst on the 1.5 year programme, by crafting an individual schedule that includes experience in diverse areas of the business. All graduates have the opportunity to take experience operational, commercial and people based placements as well as being involved with business critical projects where they have the opportunity to deliver real change.
Throughout graduates’ journey, Amanda remains a friendly face, supportive manager and encouraging mentor. Not only is Amanda the most kind person who cares deeply and genuinely about the graduates, she also has second-to-none knowledge of the CrossCountry, which enables her to support the graduates in learning the business inside out.
The high profile that graduates enjoy both throughout their time on the programme as well as afterwards are testament to the dedication and effort Amanda has put in to making the scheme prestigious and respected. Colleagues who have been through CrossCountry's Graduate Management programme have gone on to lead exciting an interesting careers. Some of the roles that have been filled with ex-graduates include, to name a few, Transformation Director, Regional Director, Head of Revenue Management, Customer Service Manager and Driver Team Manager. Having contacted many of the ex-graduates in writing this nomination, we are all of agreement that we have benefited enormously from Amanda's expertise, commitment and passion for learning and development.“
“Amanda was one of the first people I met when I joined CrossCountry back in 2018 on my placement year. Since then she has helped me grow as a person and supported me in getting my career off to a flying start. Amanda is kind, selfless and genuine person and I could not imagine a more suitable nomination for the Learning and Development award. I hope this award nomination serves as a small thank you for all of her hard work over the years.“
“Amanda has been instrumental in my career and development to date. I joined CrossCountry on a placement year from university and then returned on the graduate scheme a year later. Amanda organised my various placements around the entire organisation. This means that graduates get as good an overview and understanding of the business as anyone. Specifically, I recall Amanda working incredibly hard to allow me to do a placement at DB Schenker and at Kings Cross Station with Network Rail. Neither of these options were guaranteed or normal (given they sit outside of Arriva) but she made it happen, recognising both were great development opportunities for me.
Since then, Amanda has continued to show an interest in my development and is always available for catch ups. She’s always able to help steer you through career and life decisions.
The fact that there are over a dozen former members of the graduate programme still working within Arriva companies shows the influence Amanda has had on those just starting out their careers. As the scheme averages 1-2 people per year at CrossCountry, having over a dozen is an impressive feat. The business clearly values those alumni of the scheme given the range of change impacting roles they now occupy.
Amanda is the nicest and most helpful person you could meet and I am eternally grateful for her continued support.“
“Amanda is one of those truly unique individuals who you almost never meet during your career. With a genuine warmth, care and dedication to all within the company. The spills out of her and produces a contagious sphere of happiness wherever she has been.
She has been managing the graduate programme at CrossCountry, and has done everything within her gift to give the graduates the best possible experience and ensure that they get what they want from the scheme. When talking to graduates from other companies, it becomes increasingly clear the lengths Amanda goes to and the difference it makes.
I can say, that I personally could not have achieved what I have, without the guidance and support I received from Amanda.“
“I cannot thank Amanda enough for her support throughout my time at CrossCountry. Her passion and enthusiasm is infectious which has helped make CrossCountry's graduate scheme into something that provides everyone with a solid start to their railway career. She is the perfect line manager for anyone who is new to the business as she always provides a friendly face and is up for helping anyone with any issues they may have. After people have progressed from the graduate scheme to new roles, she still offers to help wherever she can which is really appreciated. We are lucky to have her and I think she is the perfect person to nominate for this award.“
“Amanda has been a brilliant manager, mentor and friend throughout my time at CrossCountry. She would go above and beyond during my graduate scheme to ensure that I had a multitude of opportunities at CrossCountry, always catching up with my placement managers to track my development and progress. Amanda has the ability to make you feel completely at ease, whilst simultaneously pushing you to achieve beyond any of your own expectations. Amanda is immensely passionate for CrossCountry, and gives so much of her time and emotional intelligence to her graduates, to ensure they succeed. Amanda is also leader of the Mental Health Awareness course, which is unsurprising as, even once graduates have left the programme, she is an advocate for promoting mental health awareness and supporting her previous and current graduates through difficult times. I’m so pleased that Amanda is being nominated, as she is definitely a worthy candidate, who goes above and beyond without asking for any credit.“
“I have known Amanda since 2010 when I started at CrossCountry as a Graduate Management Trainee.
Since I have known her she has been a guiding light and solid rock for the graduates making their way making their first steps on the railway and through the CrossCountry graduate scheme.
Even when I had left the business, we kept in regular contact and she helped to guide me on how to continually make improvements to my career. With her help and experience I myself have returned to CrossCountry in a management and I am delighted to now find a brood of graduates and former graduates who have taken up senior roles in the business.
I will be forever grateful to her for enabling me to reach where I am today on the railway and she is should be right at the top of the nominations for the Learning and Development Award.“
“I couldn't think of a better person but Amanda to nominate for the Learning and Development Award. Like many of my other colleagues, I started off my career in the railway as a placement student. I didn't know much about the industry, but Amanda was there to guide me through and help me develop.
I was fortunate enough to come back on the Graduate scheme and can honestly say that Amanda has been central to everything I have achieved so far. She creates an environment that allows you to flourish and is always there to guide you through any obstacles there may be.
Amanda genuinely is one of the most thoughtful, supportive and caring people you could meet. She takes a genuine interest in what is going on and helps in any way she can.
CrossCountry and Arriva have so many Grads that have come through the Grad scheme and that is a testament to all the hard work and passion that Amanda puts in. I am so thankful for all the support and trust Amanda has put in me and I hope she is recognized for her continued outstanding and dedicated work.“
“Amanda has been an inspiration whilst on the graduate scheme at CrossCountry. She motivates me to do well in my career and she is always there to answer any questions or queries. Amanda is supportive to all colleagues across the business and goes out of her way to help anyone. Amanda truly deserves this learning and development award to be recognised for her hard work and dedication!“
“During my time as CrossCountry Amanda has gone above and beyond to ensure all of the graduates, including myself, have had opportunities which would enable us to excel within the organisation. Amanda is passionate about her role, which has been demonstrated on numerous occasions throughout my time at CrossCountry. Amanda takes time to catch up with myself, and my placement managers, to track my progress and ensure that I have all the tools I need to succeed.
Amanda’s passion for people can be seen through her engagement with other areas within the organisation. These include supporting the development of graduates, assisting in the induction process for new staff and working with the Prince’s Trust to help introduce young people to the railway. I am extremely pleased to see Amanda being recognised for her contribution to the development of staff, both past and present, during her time at CrossCountry.“
“As a current Graduate at CrossCountry trains, I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving to be nominated for the Learning and Development award than Amanda Hopkins. Throughout my year here, Amanda has been exceptionally supportive and really gone above and beyond to support me and boost my development. Amanda has given me the opportunity to partake in career progressing training courses and opportunities and organised really interesting placements for myself across the business. Amanda books in frequent catch-ups with myself and placement managers to always look at helping my development. I have already achieved so much success during my year at CrossCountry and I believe that this is due to the support, advice and guidance received by Amanda.
Amanda’s dedication and love for her job does not go un-noticed as shown by her engagement throughout all levels of the organisation, assisting in schemes such as The Princes Trust and rolling out Mental Health First Aiders across the business. Amanda truly deserves to be recognised for her contribution and dedication to her job, colleagues and CrossCounty, winning this award would be hugely deserved.“
“Amanda thoroughly deserves this level of recognition and praise for the outstanding work she has done and continues to carry out at Cross Country. Amanda has become a pillar of support for so many individuals when it comes to work life, but also personal life too.
From my perspective, a fresh graduate in an everchanging industry such as the railway can be seen as daunting. Amanda however, before I even started, went out her way to make arrangements of direct 1 to 1 time with numerous directors and managers to ensure I have I was thoroughly welcomed. There are countless stories of Amanda being a ‘mother’ like figure for all colleagues in the business, which is a testament to Amanda’s character and the trust and respect so many individuals at Cross Country have for her.
I couldn’t think of a more fitting person to win this award!“
“Amanda is exceptional in her long time dedication and commitment to the people she supports in early careers programmes. What sets her apart is the sense of belonging she creates that allows people to learn, grow and thrive whilst navigating new and challenging situations.“
“Rail Staff Awards 2022. Wonderful atmosphere and Atkins-CRSA really enjoyed the night.”
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