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Careers On Track

Y9 Students, James Maughan and Thomas Sanders, attended a specially designed Railway Engineering residential course at the University of Liverpool

National Skills AcademySTUDENTS ON TRACK FOR CAREER IN RAILWAY ENGINEERING

From 10th to 13th April, James Maughan and Thomas Sanders,  year 9 students from Mosslands School, gathered at the University of Liverpool to attend a specially designed Railway Engineering residential course. Sponsored by the National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering (NSARE) and The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust (LRET), this course forms part of a major initiative to encourage young people to consider railway engineering as a future career. Cutting across many disciplines, the course explored the design, construction and operation of railways and gives a valuable insight into what our future railways could look like. 

SmallpeiceOver the four days, the pupils had the opportunity to learn about railway engineering through a series of presentations and practical exercises. Working in teams, they tackled ‘real-life’ challenges on projects designed and facilitated by young engineers from industry. These organisations included Babcock Rail, FirstGroup plc, Network Rail and Transport for London. Projects included designing and building: a train for towing materials; a railway track complete with bends; hills and tunnels and an operational signalling system. 

As well as working on the design, build and test elements of the projects, the students developed life skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, time management, finance and presentation. The social programme included a film night, sports activities and a formal dinner and disco. 

Michael Franklin, Director of The LRET commented:

‘For a second year, The LRET has agreed to support Smallpeice Trusts railway engineering Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Days and a residential course. The Smallpeice initiatives give young people an understanding of the skills they need to develop to equip them for the new and increasing opportunities that we are seeing in this fast-moving sector.’

 

The Smallpeice Trust Engineering Experience course is part of an ongoing programme of residential courses to help young people aged 13 to 18 develop skills in engineering, design, technology and manufacturing. See www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk for further information.Please enter some content for your news story here