CP TrainUP Portugal: Next-Gen Rail Talent & Sustainable Mobility

CP Unveils TrainUP 2025/2026 Programme to Cultivate Next-Generation Rail Professionals

In a move poised to shape the future of Portuguese rail transport, Comboios de Portugal (CP), the national railway operator, has announced the launch of its CP TrainUP 2025/2026 programme. This ambitious initiative, commencing in September 2025, will recruit 40 recent graduates for a 12-month, paid traineeship. The programme, operating across multiple locations throughout Portugal, aims to integrate the next wave of talent into the rail sector, providing them with hands-on experience and a direct pathway to contribute to sustainable mobility solutions. CP is seeking to attract motivated individuals keen on innovation and dedicated to transforming the national rail landscape. This article will delve into the specifics of the TrainUP programme, detailing the opportunities it presents and the implications for the Portuguese rail industry.

Programme Scope: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

The CP TrainUP 2025/2026 programme is a strategically designed initiative to address the critical need for skilled professionals within the evolving rail industry. Who: Recent graduates with up to two years of professional experience are the primary target audience. What: A 12-month paid traineeship, incorporating both theoretical and practical training, is offered. When: The programme commences in September 2025, with applications open until 20 July 2025, and interviews held throughout August. Where: Trainees will be deployed across various CP sites including Lisbon, Porto, Entroncamento, and Vila Real de Santo António. Why: To cultivate a talent pool capable of driving innovation and sustainability within CP, addressing current and future sector needs. How: The program’s structured approach combines intensive training modules, hands-on project involvement, and mentoring opportunities with experienced industry professionals.

Targeted Disciplines and Training Modules

The programme’s success hinges on attracting a diverse range of academic backgrounds. CP is seeking candidates holding degrees in Management, Engineering, Information Technologies/Mathematics, Architecture, Marketing/Digital, or Law. This broad scope reflects the multifaceted nature of modern rail operations. The training curriculum is carefully crafted to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of critical industry areas. Modules will cover innovation methodologies, cybersecurity best practices, ethical considerations in business conduct, and the principles of sustainable practices. Furthermore, trainees will be directly involved in strategic projects, ensuring they gain practical experience in applying their knowledge to real-world challenges. They will also receive mentorship from seasoned professionals, offering guidance and support throughout the traineeship.

Practical Experience and Strategic Project Involvement

A key differentiator of the CP TrainUP 2025/2026 program is the emphasis on practical, hands-on experience. Trainees will not only participate in intensive training but will also be directly involved in strategic projects. This experiential learning approach allows them to immediately apply the knowledge gained in training modules, contributing to CP’s operational excellence and innovation initiatives. This active participation is designed to accelerate their professional development and provide invaluable insights into the complexities of the railway industry. The specific projects will vary based on the trainee’s placement, providing a wide range of opportunities. These projects may encompass elements of infrastructure planning, operations management, digital transformation, or sustainability efforts.

Benefits and Career Progression Opportunities

Beyond the comprehensive training and project involvement, the CP TrainUP programme provides attractive benefits. Participants receive a monthly traineeship allowance, and additionally, CP provides meal subsidies, accident insurance, and free or subsidized travel through its CP voucher scheme. At the conclusion of the 12-month traineeship, successful participants may be offered permanent positions within CP. This represents a significant opportunity for career progression within a well-established national railway company. This commitment to long-term career development underscores CP’s investment in nurturing and retaining top talent. Such forward-thinking talent management benefits the national rail sector and ensures the continuous improvement of rail services.

Conclusion

The CP TrainUP 2025/2026 program represents a significant investment by Comboios de Portugal in the future of the Portuguese rail sector. By attracting talented graduates and providing them with intensive training, hands-on experience, and the potential for permanent employment, CP is positioning itself to lead the industry’s transformation towards sustainable mobility. The program’s focus on innovation, cybersecurity, and ethics also reflects a commitment to the highest operational standards. This proactive approach highlights CP’s vision for modernising its operations and delivering improved services. The initiative is a positive signal to the industry, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing future generations of rail professionals, bolstering Portugal’s railway capacity for years to come. The success of the programme could serve as a model for other national railway operators seeking to secure and grow their future workforce.

Company Summary: Comboios de Portugal (CP)

Comboios de Portugal (CP) is the national railway operator of Portugal, responsible for the provision of passenger and freight rail transport services across the country. It operates an extensive network of regional, urban, and long-distance trains, connecting major cities and towns. CP’s operations are pivotal to Portugal’s national transportation infrastructure. CP is actively engaged in modernizing its fleet, improving infrastructure, and embracing sustainable practices to enhance operational efficiency and environmental performance, whilst contributing to the country’s sustainable mobility goals.