Seventeen final-year engineering students from the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) in Hereford visited the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) yesterday [21 April], gaining a first-hand look at the technology, infrastructure and people behind one of the UK’s leading heritage railways.
The group, all studying for an integrated master’s degree, met a range of SVR personnel during their visit and toured key operational areas including the carriage and wagon works at Kidderminster and the traction maintenance depot. They also spent time learning about one of the railway’s heritage diesel locomotives, Class 50 No 50049 Defiance.
During the visit, students heard about the scale and complexity of operating the SVR, which runs over 16.5 miles of track and maintains dozens of locomotives alongside a fleet of around 70 passenger carriages.
Peter Metcalfe, senior serving associate professor at NMITE, said: “We’re exposing students to the sectors in which technology is used to help them make better choices about the direction they want to go in their careers after they’ve graduated. The transport sector is seen as one of the go-to destinations for our students, with strong interest in both the automotive and rail industries.
“I want them to experience trackside what’s involved in running a train operating company. It’s not just about the rolling stock, it’s also about the infrastructure and the equipment, and probably most importantly, it’s about the people and how they bring those things together.
“This visit is just the first of what we hope will be further collaboration, whether that’s students working on SVR-based projects or even coming here to work in the future.”
Mike Hulme, SVR director, added: “We are always keen to work in partnership with educational establishments such as NMITE. This is how we connect with the engineers of the future and ensure our heritage line remains relevant to today’s young people. And who knows, in the not-too-distant future, one of these students could end up working here with us at the Severn Valley Railway.”
The visit formed part of NMITE’s hands-on approach to engineering education, providing students with practical insight into industries where their skills will be in demand.