East Midlands Railway’s Community Fund saw pupils from the Derwent area in Derby get the fantastic chance to get hands-on training in the field of fabrication and welding under a real workshop environment and providing special skills which employers are on the lookout for.

The pupils who took part were between 11 and 16 years old and enjoyed the four-week programme which was carried out by Engineered Learning, specialists in the education of vulnerable young people.

The programme gave the group the chance to develop a selection of skills such as how to use handheld equipment including drills, plasma and grinding tools. The pupils also learnt how to weld and fabricate alongside being provided with healthy food and refreshments.

The workshops also saw youth workers available to support the young people in an array of areas which affect them including internet safety, relationships as well as keeping a healthy diet. The project also saw the pupils learn how to maintain their own bikes.

Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: “Engineered Learning offer young people experiences and opportunities that really make a difference to them and their communities.

“They are exactly the type of organisation the Community Fund was designed for, and we were proud to support the scheme.”

Dan Read, Managing Director of Engineered Learning, said: “This project helped to raise the aspirations of some of our most vulnerable young people. I think it’s fair to say that the social and economic impact of this project will be experienced by the local community at least for the foreseeable future. Our huge thanks go to our partners for helping to make this massive difference to the lives of our young people.”

East Midlands Railway’s Community Fund is the very first of its kind across the rail industry and can be accessed by:

• Community rail partnerships
• Station adoption groups
• Charities
• Community interest companies
• Schools
• Youth organisations
• Sports clubs.

In order to qualify for funding a group or organisation must operate within 15km of an East Midlands Railway station alongside meeting requirements set out by the rail operator.

To find out more about the fund and how to apply please visit: https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/community-fund