Avanti West Coast launches scheme to encourage students into rail careers

Avanti West Coast has launched a new school trip scheme called ‘Feel Good Futures’, aimed at getting young people interested in careers in rail. 

The programme offers students aged 14 to 18 from local schools the chance to learn about the railway and the different job opportunities within the sector.

Feel Good Futures is designed to highlight the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths in rail, as well as the variety of roles available. 

The first trip saw year 10 pupils from The Heath School in Runcorn visit Liverpool Traincare Centre in Edge Hill, where they met staff from Avanti West Coast and maintenance provider Alstom. 

The pupils learned how the intercity operator maintains its Class 390 Pendolino fleet.

Dean Duthie, engineering and infrastructure director at Avanti West Coast, said: “Building on the success of Feel Good Field Trips, we are delighted to once again partner with David Savage and Community Rail Lancashire on an exciting new initiative, this time aimed at those in their later years of education who are seeking inspiration for when they embark on their career path. 

“These young people are the next workforce generation, and Feel Good Futures is a fantastic way for them to learn what our exciting industry has to offer.

“It was a pleasure to arrange a visit for The Heath School to Edge Hill Depot, where the pupils were able to learn about different engineering roles and see all the hard work that goes into ensuring our trains are maintained thoroughly.”