Network Rail have launched a competition aiming to highlight the Information Technology (IT) careers available in the organisation to young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
The competition has been launched in the hope it will encourage more young people from minority ethnic backgrounds to consider a career in IT.
The rail industry currently has an underrepresentation of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic employees.
Just under 10% of employees at Network Rail are from Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
Applicants will be challenged to use their creative and technical skills to invent something new or innovative.
They will the be asked to think about how their idea would be used, what its purpose would be and who would use it.
As part of the competition those taking part will also be asked how they would keep their idea safe and secure and how technology would bring it to life.
Prizes for the competition include Windows 10 laptops, work experience days and mentoring from IT professionals.
One winner will be invited to apply for Network Rail’s IT Apprenticeship scheme with a recommendation.
Although no Apprenticeship places can be guaranteed the applicant will receive mentored support throughout the application process.
Network Rail emphasised the importance of diversifying their workforce.
Maureen Parris, Network Rail’s Enterprise Architect said: “We know that people from minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented in our business.
“We hope this competition will encourage more young people from those backgrounds to consider IT in the railway as an exciting and worthwhile career.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the submissions, and I’m sure we’ll get lots of creative and innovative ideas.”
Candidates must be between 16-18 years old and should email their submission in partnership with their school or college to [email protected].
All entries must be submitted by 31st December 2021.
Full terms and conditions can be found on the Network Rail website.
