Network Rail and
The Talent Foundry have completed the initial pilot scheme of the ‘Track to the Future’ programme, which aims to inspire young people to consider a career in the rail sector. Four schools took part in the pilot programme: Lord Grey Academy (Bletchley), The Adeyfield Academy (Hemel Hempstead), King Edwards VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy (Birmingham), and Harborne Academy (Birmingham). Some 80 students participated in total.
Students taking part in the Track to the Future programme gained an insight into the work of Network Rail, focusing on either programme management or the technological side of the industry. Mentors from Network Rail supported students through ‘four highly interactive and engaging sessions’ exploring the rail industry. With this programme, students will be able to develop key transferable skills, including innovation and creativity, while also learning about key competencies such as accountability, collaboration, and responding to challenging situations.
Great successLydia Fairman, Network Rail’s lead capability and development manager, said: “We think the pilot Track to the Future Programme was a great success and it was brilliant to receive such positive feedback from those who took part. The volunteers who worked on the pilot programme were really excited to share their expertise and passion for the sector with the participating students.”
The Talent Foundry is an independent education charity. Its mission is to increase social mobility by helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds discover what they are good at, develop valuable new employment skills and take the first step into the world of work.
Cate Smith, who is head of programmes at The Talent Foundry, said: “Everyone at The Talent Foundry was delighted to work with Network Rail on the pilot Track to the Future programme. We know Network Rail is as passionate as we are about ensuring disadvantaged young people can access a range of opportunities to get them thinking about their future. I hope this programme inspired lots of students to consider a career in the rail sector.”
The Talent Foundry is an independent education charity offering a range of fully funded opportunities to schools and colleges throughout the UK. There are 1,600 schools in its network and some 600,000 students have benefitted from their programmes. If schools wish to find out if they are eligible for The Talent Foundry’s programmes they can email: .