STUDENTS at UTC Warrington enjoyed a rather different insight into future careers in the rail industry through a pilot work experience programme.

Operated by Avanti West Coast using specially created video, the station manager and customer service assistants at Warrington Bank Quay gave talks about different jobs opportunities available.

The initiative, entitled Ready 4 Rail, was developed by Network Rail to provide a viable alternative to traditional work experience during the coronavirus pandemic.

It brings together different organisations to showcase opportunities across the rail industry through videos, presentations, and engagement activities with video conferencing.

Following the session, students had the opportunity to put their questions to Avanti West Coast representatives as part of a question and answer session.

Amanda Downing, associate principal of UTC Warrington, said: “Connecting our students with engineering, digital, construction and healthcare employers so they are on the right track for exciting, future careers opportunities, is at the heart of everything we do.

"I would like to thank Avanti West Coast for their support.”

Lee Braham, Avanti West Coast station manager at Warrington Bank Quay, said: “Helping others is a rewarding experience, and by supporting this programme we hope to make a difference in our local community and inspire the next generation of potential railway workers.

Warrington Guardian:

“I hope our video went a long way in helping students who want to know more about starting a career on the railway.”

Network Rail’s engineering capability manager James Richards added: “We know how important work experience is to help prepare students for the career and academic choices.

“That is why we have worked with industry partners to develop a virtual approach to work experience with our Ready 4 Rail programme.

“Trialling this new approach has enabled us to bring to life the wider opportunities in the rail industry, highlighting the many partners involved in the railway and the vital work they deliver.

“I hope that Ready 4 Rail will have inspired students to explore the industry as a potential employer, allowed them to have fun, developed their skills and made them well-equipped to make choices for their future.”