Students visited Network Rail’s offices in Stratford, where they were welcomed by members of the HR Team for an informative and engaging careers experience.
The aim of the visit was to give students an insight into Network Rail and many varied roles that contribute to the running of such a large organisation.
The day began with a presentation exploring a wide range of careers, including engineering, customer services, timetabling and operations. Students also learned about the impact of weather conditions on the rail network and the importance of the many teams that work together to keep services running safely and efficiently.
Students asked thoughtful questions and took part in discussions about PPE and health and safety. They then completed a practical challenge involving train operations demonstrating maturity, confidence and teamwork. The HR team were particularly impressed by the students analytical approach to solving the task.
The challenge required students to programme a train to stop at different points for the correct amount of time using coloured coding tiles in the right sequence. They also had to work out how to redirect the train when faced with obstacles on the track.
Throughout the activity, students worked collaboratively, supported one another and showed excellent problem – solving skills. The visit was both educational and inspiring, providing a valuable insight into the wide range of careers available within the rail industry.