Hundreds of students at Derby College Group (DCG) recently have just had the unique opportunity to engage with professionals from the rail and engineering industries at the Insight Into Engineering & Rail event.
The event aimed to broaden students' understanding of the diverse career opportunities available in these vital sectors, reinforcing Derby’s status as a leading hub for rail innovation and manufacturing in the UK.
Students interacted with representatives from major employers, including East Midlands Railway, Vaillant UK, Alstom, Encompass Engineering, Risktec Solutions, Loram, Fraser Nash, Rolls-Royce, The Rail Forum, Young Rail Professionals (YRP), and the Great British Railways Transition Team. Attendees explored potential career paths, apprenticeships, work placements, and employment programmes.
The event featured insightful presentations, interactive market stalls, and engaging discussions with current apprentices, who provided valuable advice on navigating assessment centres and interviews.
Students also participated in CV workshops, interview preparation sessions, and research activities, equipping them with essential skills to stand out in future job applications.
Dharm Dhaliwal, Employer Partnership Manager at DCG, who organised the event, emphasised the importance of industry engagement in shaping the future workforce: “We want students to fully understand the breadth of opportunities in engineering and the rail industry. Many assume these careers are limited to traditional factory roles, but the reality is far more diverse, with opportunities spanning engineering, business, and technical office roles.”
“With an ageing workforce in these industries, it is crucial to introduce young talent to the sector and change perceptions. Our strong industry partnerships, including the Employer Skills Board, allow businesses to influence the future curriculum, ensuring students gain relevant knowledge and skills for successful careers.”
One of the students in attendance, Dylan Crump (17), currently studying a T-Level in Engineering and Manufacturing at DCG, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. He said: “This has given me a fantastic insight into the rail industry. I’ve spoken to so many employers who have helped me understand the different career options available. I have loved the event”
The event also featured keynote presentations, including one from Elaine Clark, CEO of the Rail Forum —an organisation representing over 60 rail businesses in Derby. She highlighted the industry's 200-year legacy and its focus on emerging technologies and workforce development. The Rail Forum plays a key role in connecting businesses, academia, and government to support the growth of the UK rail sector.
Paul Harwood, Director at the Great British Railways Transition Team, reinforced Derby’s prominence in the rail industry, stating that the city boasts the largest cluster of rail businesses in Europe. The Great British Railways Transition Team is responsible for shaping the future of rail in the UK by integrating track and train operations, improving efficiency, and ensuring a customer-focused railway system.
Additionally, Jack Rhodes, an Apprentice at Alstom, delivered an engaging presentation on the daily life of an engineering apprentice, providing students with first-hand insight into the opportunities and challenges of the role.
The Insight Into Engineering & Rail event demonstrated the strength of collaboration between education and industry, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to forge successful careers. DCG continues to play a crucial role in preparing young people for the future, ensuring Derby remains a leading force in engineering and rail innovation.
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