Thursday 5th March saw the annual iRail STEM Challenge taking place at the Derby Conference Centre. Supported by a record number of RFM members the day got off to a flying start with school pupils setting off on visits to both Bombardier and Network Rail. Whilst they were on their visits around 40 students from across Derby College and the University of Derby dropped into the event to meet employers and to find out more about the type of careers available in the industry.
Late morning and the schools were back and raring to go on this year’s challenge which required them to design and build a piece of equipment to lift a container off a freight train.
Whilst the pupils were developing their designs the school teachers had the opportunity to hear about the range of jobs on offer across the industry from some of our best advocates – our younger people. These included colleagues from Atkins, Porterbrook, Resonate, Balfour Beatty and Aegis who explained how they got into their career and what they actually ‘do’ on a day to day basis. They also provided an introduction to the wide range of opportunities for apprentices and graduates in their companies.
Then it was on to the all important judging! Allestreee Woodlands triumphed this year winning £500 for their school with John Flamsteed a very worthy runner up. Congratulations to these and to all the schools that took part.
We are HUGELY grateful to all our sponsors without whom this event would not exist.
Platinum Sponsors Trophy Sponsor
School Prize Sponsor
Event and School Sponsor : Atkins
Event Sponsors : Balfour Beatty, Bombardier, Derby College, DRES, East Midlands Railway, iepeople, Learning Unlimited, Loram, Network Rail, Pauley Interactive, RAIB, Tracsis, TUV Rheinland and University of Derby
with special thanks to Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy for their support
