When I joined the Arriva Graduate Programme, I didn't know much about the Transport sector. It was a new and completely unexpected experience. I studied Mathematics with the idea of becoming a teacher, so I had no technical knowledge to show and use in the training/job. The most important skills you need are the ability to multi-task and to work under pressure. You can learn everything else working alongside people with years of experience. It was a challenge and an opportunity to get involved in something new, demonstrating that I could succeed by trying my best.

Thanks to the training programme, I had the benefit of starting my career in a large and successful company where I could learn everything I need to work on my own. But that's not all. Some off-the-job training was organised to put us in touch with all Arriva graduates. So we could compare our experience, talk about the differences between our companies, think about what works and doesn't and try to understand why, suggest possible changes and discuss their applicability… It's a chance to understand how business is carried out in other countries and to keep up with new ideas.

I had the opportunity to work in different departments and I received a lot of information about the Transport section, which is important in order to deal with and solve the various problems I face.

In the HR Department, thanks to Mr. Pietro Frontali (HR Director), I learnt about recruitment, the process of selection and how to maintain performance. And I also had the opportunity to attend a lesson on labour law and the way it is managed.. In the Operations area, I learnt about the relationship with Bergamo Province, the contractual obligations and how to carry out our business. In the administration office, where I spend most of my time, they have taught me a lot, from invoices to balance sheets, I can now face these concepts without fear.

Every day is different, new targets are set so every day is a challenge. This is the reason why I think my job can improve my skills from when I finished University. The people I work with are very friendly and give me lots of advice about the management of our work, helping me when I experience any difficulties. There is normally so much to do, so many people asking for economical information, so little time to do everything that you feel put to the test every day.

I'm very happy about my Graduate Training until now and I hope future months will be full of satisfaction as my first year in Arriva.