Students recently enjoyed an inspiring educational experience thanks to a brilliantly organised trip facilitated through Ductu, a charity dedicated to connecting young people with major employers to provide meaningful workplace experiences.
Ductu’s mission is to remove barriers, challenge stereotypes, and make real-world career opportunities accessible to all students, including those with SEND and this visit was a perfect example of their impact.
The day introduced students to the world of rail and STEM through a dynamic mix of hands-on activities and professional insight. Students worked together to build a track and code Intelino smart trains, giving them a fun and practical introduction to engineering, problem-solving, and digital skills. Network Rail staff provided an engaging overview of the organisation, explaining how the rail network is managed, maintained and improved and highlighting the wide range of careers available across the sector, from operations and engineering to signalling, station management, maintenance and more.
As part of the experience, students were led on a full behind-the-scenes tour of Waterloo Station, one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs. This exciting addition allowed students to experience first-hand how different teams work together to keep millions of passengers moving safely every day, from ground-level station staff to the hidden infrastructure and systems that support rail transport.
The trip offered our students a valuable chance to develop technical skills, gain confidence, and explore potential future pathways in a vibrant and essential industry. For many, it was more than just a visit, it was a window into what their future might look like, demonstrating that with the right support and opportunity, a career in rail and STEM is within reach.
We are grateful to both Ductu and Network Rail for providing such a rich and motivating experience. Their commitment to inclusion and real-world exposure for young people, especially those who may not often get such opportunities, makes a real difference.
