In a world obsessive about cutting-edge tech and grand infrastructure, are we forgetting a very powerful factor? Steph Shencoe, Media Relations and Communication Supervisor at Main Engineer, explains why nurturing the human factor, significantly the subsequent technology, is how we keep heading in the right direction.
The air hums with a well-recognized power. It’s 8am on the bustling practice platform, a symphony of motion and anticipation. Above, the illuminated board glints, portray a digital tapestry of journeys and locations. The rhythmic murmur of conversations blends with the distant rumble of practice wheels, interrupted by the automated reminder “Preserve behind the yellow line.”
Then a crisp whistle cuts by means of the environment. A practice flagperson with paddle held excessive, a silent but understood sign to the motive force that the practice is “good to go!” With a delicate lurch the colossal machine begins to glide carrying the keen passengers.
Now, think about this scene however take away each single particular person. The colourful platform falls silent. The glowing board is an empty canvas. The whistle unheard. The practice a immobile hulk of steel. What stays? What’s the face of rail with out its folks?
c: Main Engineer
The absence of passengers can be fairly noticeable! However its’s not simply in regards to the commuters, what in regards to the employees and all these essential to the trade?
From the engineers meticulously sustaining the strains to the station employees making certain clean operations, and the numerous unsung heroes behind the scenes with every particular person taking part in an indispensable position.
The absence of individuals may very well be a actuality with the prospect of an getting older workforce and growing demand for expert professionals.
And but, the absence of individuals may very well be a actuality with the prospect of an getting older workforce and growing demand for expert professionals. With it, presents a brand new problem. The 2023 Science Training Tracker, produced by Royal Society and Engineering Uk, reveals a decline in curiosity throughout science and engineering amongst younger folks. So how can we appeal to younger folks into the trade?
That is the place Main Engineer, an academic not-for-profit, steps onto the platform. For the final 20 years we’ve been on a journey to ignite a ardour for engineering early on in major college pupils throughout the UK. And for six years, we’ve provided the Main Engineer Rail Programme. In 2024, we proudly printed a complete report trying again on the profound influence of this Programme. Through the years, this initiative has supplied over 40,000 thrilling and inventive rail engineering studying experiences to younger minds throughout the UK. Learn the total report right here: https://www.primaryengineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Rail-Report-Interactive.pdf
These are the human tales about potential future rail engineers that actually underscore the profound influence of this initiative.
It’s not simply in regards to the numbers although. Main Engineer Programmes domesticate curiosity, foster engagement, and broaden consciousness of engineering careers, actively breaking down stereotypes. We’ve heard numerous inspiring tales: kids speeding residence to share their builds, pupils declaring their aspirations to develop into engineers, and even accounts of the programme positively impacting behavioural points. These are the human tales about potential future rail engineers that actually underscore the profound influence of this initiative.
Take Portway Main College, for instance, who participated within the Main Engineer Rail Programme. Airina, a trainer there, shared her enthusiasm “The programme supplied our college students with invaluable hands-on expertise and perception into the world of engineering. Our engineer mentor was extremely participating, sharing their experience and provoking our college students with real-world functions of engineering rules. The keenness and curiosity sparked by this collaboration have been evident in each session, and we’re happy with the abilities and data our college students have gained. This expertise has really enriched our curriculum and ignited a ardour for STEM amongst our younger learners.”
Toby Tsang, Senior Design Engineer Community Rail is likely one of the engineers who’ve been concerned in our programme. “I’ve to say it has been an actual pleasure to see the kids displaying the attributes of an engineer – Teamwork, Resilience, initiative, supportive to one another and have enjoyable. I can nonetheless keep in mind their face when the practice unit strikes! I hope my involvement has been helpful and provoking. I hope this will likely encourage just a few of these kids to be an engineer.”
It’s due to these two important faces, the passionate educators and the devoted engineer, that we will have such a profound and constructive influence on pupils, like younger Emily. “I actually favored making the mannequin and making the wheel components work, it’s fairly enjoyable. And my dad is an engineer as nicely so I need to be like him!”
The way forward for the rail trade, certainly, the way forward for engineering itself, rests within the arms of younger folks. Inspiring them now, displaying them the thrilling potentialities inside this important sector, isn’t only a recruitment technique; it’s investing within the human factor to really join the trade to the longer term.
We’re in search of companions to assist us carry this programme to extra colleges within the 25/26 tutorial yr. If you wish to work with us to encourage the subsequent technology, get in contact right here: https://www.primaryengineer.com/funding-enquiry/
Steph Shencoe is an Media Relations and Communications supervisor, working carefully with the media and high-profile trade stakeholders to lift the model profile of Main Engineer, a UK instructional not-for-profit.
