25.06.14
National Gen Y Rail final begins
The national final of the first Gen Y Rail event has kicked off today with 15 teams competing for the first prize in the two age groups.
After competing in regional heats, teams from the north east, north west, east and west midlands have been given the challenge to design a new railway and train station.
Taking place at Network Rail’s Westwood training facility in Coventry, the students were given some inspiration from Kash Ratyal and Alice Cooper, both of whom are project managers on the £600m Birmingham New Street development.
They discussed the ideas behind the redevelopment work, the importance of engaging with stakeholders and the long-term benefits the project will bring to the city.
Speaking to RTM about the challenge facing the students, Ratyal said: “They have a budget of £30m to deliver the project.
“But what will be interesting is to see how they think about the challenge and tackle the needs of the stakeholders and all those involved. Once they get going they should really get into it.”
The 15 teams are split into two different age groups – over 16s and under 16s – and a winner will be selected from each of the age groups. As a reward for their hard work, each member in a winning team will be given £50 worth of iTunes vouchers and the winning school or college will also receive £200 worth of Amazon vouchers.
Nick Spall, route delivery director LNW North at Network Rail, gave the introductory speech to the students this morning highlighting the opportunities in rail.
He also told us: “With all the challenges coming up in the rail industry, and the volume of work we need to deliver, it is imperative we try to encourage, enthuse and excite the next generation about rail.
“That is why we support events like Gen Y, which are exactly what we need in order to encourage the next generation to think about careers in rail. Also with events like this it can help us develop the next Brunels of the future.”
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(Photography: Kevin Poolman)