Friday, March 8, 2024
Alstom, a global leader in intelligent and sustainable mobility solutions, recently hosted an enlightening day for students from Ealing SEND Hub at its Old Oak Common depot in West London.
Collaborating with High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, the organization responsible for designing and constructing Britain’s new high-speed railway, the event on Monday, February 26 aimed to offer a valuable workplace experience for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
During the insightful session, Alstom employees tailored activities to accommodate the students’ needs and abilities. Beginning with a visit to the site’s operations room, overlooking Old Oak Common’s primary storage yard, students witnessed firsthand the orchestration of train arrivals through a single call, marveling at the streamlined management of the entire depot’s movements by just one person.
“This proves how collaboration with industry and community partners really does help change young people’s lives by enhancing their confidence and offering clear pathways to success as they consider their own futures,”
Nina Atwal, Skills, Employment, Education and Diversity Lead for the HS2 Project at Alstom
Following the operations room visit, they proceeded to the train simulation area, where they could operate a Class 345 along a virtual Elizabeth line using authentic controls. Those awaiting their turn observed the trainee drivers’ actions displayed on a nearby screen.
Preceding the on-site session, a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) ambassador from Alstom, in collaboration with HS2, conducted an in-school session to acquaint the students with the project. Now, the students are tasked with returning to class and creating their own train designs based on outlines provided by Alstom, with the drawings slated for display in the depot at a later date.
The event also served as an opportunity for Alstom to glean insights from the students—the rail passengers of tomorrow—and reinforce its dedication to inclusivity in the rail industry. As a Disability Confident Leader employer, Alstom remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting underrepresented groups and offering enriching experiences that foster life skills.
“The students brought such excitement to our Old Oak Common depot, filling our corridors and meeting rooms full of joy. Overall, working with HS2 and Ealing SEND Hub has had such a positive impact on students and our colleagues alike, and will now pave the way for future programmes. This proves how collaboration with industry and community partners really does help change young people’s lives by enhancing their confidence and offering clear pathways to success as they consider their own futures,” said, Nina Atwal, Skills, Employment, Education and Diversity Lead for the HS2 Project at Alstom.
As the foremost provider of new trains and train services in the UK, Alstom is gearing up to manufacture Britain’s new high-speed trains for HS2, in partnership with Hitachi Rail. This collaborative effort will see the construction and testing of a 54-strong fleet of British-made bullet trains, known for their exceptional speed, at facilities located in Newton Aycliffe, Derby, and Crewe.
Concurrently, Alstom’s established Old Oak Common depot in West London serves as the operational hub for Transport for London’s 70 nine-car Elizabeth line trains. Fabricated by Alstom at its Derby factory, these Class 345 Aventra trains undergo continuous maintenance at the facility, which commenced operations in 2018.
Looking ahead, Elizabeth line trains will soon operate from HS2’s Old Oak Common railway station, situated adjacent to Alstom’s depot. Currently under construction, this station is poised to become the UK’s most extensively connected and largest new railway station upon completion.
“This is the third project that we’re doing with Ealing SEND Hub and it only gets more rewarding. That is in large part down to partners, such as Alstom, who are able help to give the young people such wonderful experiences,” said Ambrose Quashie, Legacy Manager – Skills and Employment at HS2 Ltd.
Looking ahead, Alstom is committed to organizing additional insight sessions for SEND students, continuing its endeavor to offer meaningful employer encounters and support to all segments of the communities it serves.
Students from Belvue High School and St Ann’s School in Ealing participated in the Old Oak Common event, facilitated by Business Education Events (BEE), a community interest company dedicated to connecting employers with students.
This insight day emerged from an ongoing partnership between HS2 and the Ealing SEND Hub, where other contractors involved in Britain’s new high-speed railway have showcased diverse job opportunities and requisite skills, while offering guidance on career pathways. The Ealing SEND Hub serves as the local information and advice service for parents, children, and young people with special educational needs and disabilities up to the age of 25.
This initiative underscores the commitments outlined in HS2’s Skills, Employment, and Education strategy, mirroring Alstom’s objective of broadening access to the rail industry for underrepresented groups and inspiring more young individuals to explore careers in transportation and infrastructure.
(Trademark disclaimer: Alstom™ is a protected trademark of the Alstom Group.)
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Saturday, April 27, 2024
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