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On Jan. 16, Kansas City Southern plans to launch a pilot management training program at its Kansas City, Mo., headquarters. During a five-month period ending May 31, a cross-section of 18 recently hired employees will attend six weeks’ worth of rotating courses at the headquarters, a Shreveport, La., facility and the National Academy of Railroad Sciences (NARS).

The curriculum includes an overview of KCS’ history, organizational structure, culture, strategic objectives, policies and procedures. At NARS, which is located at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan., classroom courses and field exercises will cover safety, and railroad terminology and operating practices in engineering, mechanical and transportation.

Trainees will be required to learn certain objectives in each area and keep a journal of their experiences. After completing the program, trainees must design a major project and present it to KCS executives.

“All participants will develop cross-functional working relationships and gain a greater understanding of railroad operations, departmental roles and responsibilities, and how each contributes to overall corporate objectives,” KCS officials said in a prepared statement.

In June, KCS plans to launch a permanent six-month management training program.