Avanti West Coast and Alstom Offer Insightful Depot Tour for Students

Avanti West Coast and train manufacturer Alstom recently opened the doors of their Oxley depot in Wolverhampton to a group of students as part of the Feel Good Field Trips initiative. This event aimed to educate and inspire the next generation about the railway industry.

Year 10 students from Meadow Park School in Coventry, studying Design and Technology, traveled by train to participate in this interactive and educational day. The tour provided a unique opportunity to explore Avanti West Coast’s new Evero train, which recently began service, and to learn about its maintenance.

During the visit, students engaged in activities such as designing a new train livery, building a model train wheel, and repairing brakes. These hands-on tasks offered a practical understanding of the technical and engineering aspects of railway operations. Additionally, the students gained insights into the processes involved in launching a new train and maintaining a fleet.

For travelers, this initiative signifies Avanti West Coast's commitment to innovation and excellence in train services. The introduction of the Evero train and the focus on detailed maintenance processes aim to enhance the travel experience, ensuring reliability and comfort for passengers. The involvement of young students in such projects highlights the industry’s future direction towards integrating fresh ideas and perspectives.

Stacy Thundercliffe, Head of Fleet and Engineering at Avanti West Coast, noted the importance of giving youngsters exposure to the railway industry and its career opportunities, hoping to inspire them to consider roles in this field.

Corrine MacLean, Curriculum Lead at Meadow Park School, emphasized that practical insights gained from such visits are invaluable for students. She highlighted that seeing the new Evero train and understanding its design features can significantly inspire students in their own projects.

Gaynor Stewart, Head of Customer Service Delivery at Alstom, expressed delight in hosting the event. She stressed that engaging with students and showcasing the advanced technology and dedicated work that goes into maintaining Avanti West Coast's fleets could inspire the youth to consider careers in rail and STEM fields.

Launched in April 2022, the Feel Good Field Trips initiative aims to provide up to 5,000 pupils aged between four and 18 the chance to travel by train for educational and culturally enriching experiences. For travelers, this program underscores the potential for future improvements and innovations in rail travel, driven by the next generation of railway professionals.