08.04.13
College partnership to showcase Reading depot
Students will be invited to Reading rail depot as part of the partnership between Network Rail and UTC Reading, a new University Technology College specialising in computer science and engineering.
Network Rail is working with the college to develop curriculum challenges around level crossing design, materials and maintenance. An open evening at the depot will allow students to see a model track and life-size outdoor track layout, listen to short talks and presentations on safety and air operations.
Patrick Hallgate, Western route managing director for Network Rail said: “With a big focus on infrastructure investment, Britain needs more engineers and high skilled people. We believe we have a responsibility to support education beyond our own workforce to encourage the next generation to get into engineering and show how it applies in the real world.
“By specialising in engineering and computer science, UTC Reading is well placed to help in this drive, and we’re playing our part by bringing real working life challenges into the classroom.”
Joanne Harper, principal of UTC Reading, said: “Network Rail’s taster event is the perfect opportunity for individuals with a growing interest in computer science or engineering to come along and see how UTC Reading promotes learning through doing and places a firm emphasis on developing practical skills as well as academic.
“Network Rail, along with our other partners Cisco, Microsoft, Peter Brett Associates, The University of Reading and The Oxford & Cherwell Valley College, will be allowing students to get involved with some fantastic activities and really experience what it would be like to attend UTC Reading.”
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