Merseyrail and its fleet maintenance provider Stadler have joined forces to provide local students with a behind-the-scenes tour of Kirkdale depot.
Two 14-year-old students from Everton Free School – who work in partnership with Merseyrail regularly – were invited to Kirkdale depot alongside teachers from the school to understand the different job opportunities involved within the rail industry.
The students – Brodie Foster and Jordan Green – were shown around by Stadler staff and Merseyrail’s Community Involvement Advisor, and walked around the sheds, inspected the new trains and prototype battery train.
The boys were lucky enough to have a peek into the driver’s cab, sitting in the driver’s seat and getting an understanding of how trains are operated.
The visit was part of the Life Skills Programme Merseyrail carry out with Everton Free School, giving students the opportunity to learn about the world of work prior to taking their examinations.
The objective of this Programme is to inspire and motivate children to believe in themselves and the opportunities available to them once they leave school.
Brodie Foster, one of the students from Everton Free School, said: “I enjoyed seeing the future technology of transport in Liverpool. I want to be a rail engineer in the future and it was enlightening experience.”
Jane English, People Director at Merseyrail, said: “As a key part of the Liverpool City Region, it’s vital that we here at Merseyrail give back to the local communities that we serve.
“Our partnership with Everton Free School is a great example of this and I’m thrilled that, together with Stadler, we were able to give these two boys a fantastic opportunity to learn all about the rail industry and even get a sneak peek at our new trains.
“The rail industry offers a multitude of career opportunities and it’s our responsibility to inspire the next generation to consider rail as an option upon leaving school.”
Rob Baxter, Managing Director of Stadler Rail Service UK, said: “A positive experience of the working world can have lasting and far-reaching consequences on the life of a young person.
“Stadler was very happy to welcome two pupils from Everton Free School recently. We consider it a privilege to provide an insight into our operations, including the running of our state-of-the-art depot, which will be home to the new trains for the Liverpool City Region.
“We intend to do more work with local schools in future.”
Rob Anderson, Teacher at Everton Free School, added: “We are so grateful for the support Merseyrail provide to our students. It is so important that young people get the opportunity to explore their future options in a working environment. “Everyone at Everton Free School is incredibly thankful to Merseyrail and Stadler for accommodating us and inspiring our learners.”
