QTS Group visits Croy primary school to inspire next generation of rail experts

20/12/2023

NATIONAL rail contractor, QTS group, has visited Holy Cross Primary School in Croy for an exciting day of rail activities.

This session forms part of the company’s plans to engage with more young people across the UK and promote careers in rail.

Pupils from primary one to primary six learned about the rail industry and the different careers it offers, such as vegetation management, civil engineering and drainage to name a few.

QTS staff members from both the Workforce Development team and Civils department hosted several activities on the day, including STEM activities, challenges and allowing the pupils to try on the operative’s PPE.

As a proud supporter of young people, QTS Group hopes the visit will help students discover and better understand the wide range of jobs available in the rail sector.

Jane McFadzean, Workforce Development Coordinator said: “Our teams had a fantastic time working with the children and the feedback we’ve received from Holy Cross Primary School has been outstanding. We’re currently in discussions with the school on offering something similar to its older students.

“The younger generation is the future of our industry, so encouraging younger people to consider a career in rail is hugely important to us and sessions like this play a key role in tackling the skills shortage. We are proud to be leading the way when it comes to engaging with young people across the UK to promote the careers available in our industry.”

Marie Murphy, Head Teacher of Holy Cross Primary School said: “Our children had a fantastic time working with the team from QTS, they were so engaged in the STEM tasks and loved the chance to dress up in the hi-vis PPE! This has certainly sparked their interest and curiosity in the diversity of roles the team undertake to keep the railways safe and clear.”

This session was provoked by other crucial work that QTS have been carrying out in Croy over the past eight months alongside National Rail, to help improve the resilience of the railway against adverse weather between Croy and Dullatur.

QTS Group has unveiled several initiatives aimed at encouraging young people to join the industry in recent years, including offering apprenticeships and traineeships, launching a graduate development programme and its award winning Rail Skills Academy.

QTS has also held two ‘Future of Rail’ events since 2022, including one at its Drumclog HQ and one at Midland Railway, Butterley. Over 450 young people attended these events to learn more about the job roles and potential career paths within the rail industry.

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