Amtrak Delivers: Top Workplace for New Grads, Donations

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
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Amtrak has been named to Forbes magazine’s “America’s Best Employer for New Graduates 2022” list. Additionally, “America’s Railroad” has partnered with Delivering Good to donate bedding, towels and linens to people in need.

Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to identify the 300 companies “most liked by new workforce entrants,” the magazine reported. The annual ranking is compiled by surveying 20,000 Americans with fewer than 10 years of professional experience who work for businesses with at least 1,000 employees. “Respondents were asked to rate their employers on a variety of criteria, including safety of work environment, competitiveness of compensation, opportunities for advancement, effectiveness of diversity and inclusion efforts, and company image,” according to Forbes.  

Amtrak ranked No. 102. Companies were categorized by industry, and Amtrak was one of seven represented under Transportation & Logistics. Also in the category: Southwest Airlines (No. 26), Delta Air Lines (No. 44), BNSF Railway (No. 70), Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New York; No. 76), DHL (No. 216), and Estes Express Line (No. 290).

Amtrak said it is “aggressively recruiting and hiring to fill thousands of jobs in areas ranging from railroad operations, information technology, finance, marketing, government affairs and human resources.” It offers rotational programs for recent graduates or early-career individuals, providing both cross-functional experience and exposure. In addition, it offers hiring bonuses and relocation packages to fill critical positions, and supports, where possible, flexible schedules.

“We are looking for people to help us deliver the passenger rail service that America needs and deserves,” Amtrak President and CEO Stephen Gardner said. “Our mission of connecting communities has never been more important, and with our growth, we are creating thousands of new jobs to provide more service, reduce our nation’s carbon footprint, and help the economy recover and flourish in the years ahead.

“Congrats to all the amazing people at Amtrak who work hard every day to help us grow and receive this recognition.”

“At Amtrak, diversity and inclusion are a movement, not a moment,” Amtrak Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer Qiana Spain said. “It is important that people see themselves at all levels of the organization, and we will continue to advance an environment to empower our people and strengthen our culture to be an organization reflective of our customers and the communities we serve.”

Meanwhile, Amtrak has teamed with New York-based Delivering Good to donate 119,596 individual items, including bedding, towels and linens, to local organizations that help those in need.

The railroad reported that the donation “follows an upgrade to Amtrak’s private-room experience with new bedding, pillows, towels and linens for overnight trains now included in all private rooms. With 1.5 million tons of towels, sheets and pillowcases generated in 2018, but only 15.8% recycled (The EPA), Amtrak’s goal was to divert waste from landfills and instead make them available to people in need.”

“Since its inception, Amtrak has always prioritized supporting local communities and our environment,” Amtrak Executive Vice President of Marketing and Revenue Roger Harris said. “We are proud to partner with Delivering Good to reduce waste while contributing in ways that benefit those who need it most.”

Delivering Good is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization described as uniting “retailers, manufacturers, foundations and individuals to support people affected by poverty and tragedy.” Since 1985, it has distributed products valued at more than $2 billion.

“As we aim to create a world of greater and more sustainable equality and opportunity for all who live in it, we would like to thank Amtrak for helping those in need to find a better tomorrow,” Delivering Good Director of Product Procurement Merrie Keller said.

In related developments, Amtrak earlier this year was named to Forbes magazine’s “America’s Best Employers 2022” list of large companies.

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