SLC Rail, which works closely with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), recently visited a Warrington Primary School to explain to the children about civil engineering and in particular rail projects.

The company is a leading rail consultancy, and its Senior Project Manager, Thomas Coon, and Company Director, Sam Uren, recently spent an afternoon with students from years 2, 5, and 6 at Croft Primary School in Warrington. Their visit was designed to ignite the children’s curiosity by introducing them to civil engineering and dispelling the idea that engineering is all about digging in the mud,

A number of interactive sessions were held, during which the children were encouraged to think differently about the buildings and structures that surround them, and how civil engineering affects their lives on a daily basis.

The visit came about because SLC Rail has been working with TfGM on a proposed new railway station at Golborne, just three miles away from the school. As well as the interactive sessions, the older children were also asked to design their own railway station, which produced some impressive results.

Among the features the children highlighted in their designs were the importance of accessibility, electric car charging stations, and bicycle facilities. One of the children even suggested having an onsite Gucci shop in their design.

Demonstrating the success of the talks, the school has invited SLC Rail to return and spend more time with the remaining students at the school, and continue their work in inspiring young minds and nurturing a passion for engineering for the next generation.

Further information about SLC Rail can be seen on its website at www.slcrail.com.

Reflecting on the visit, Thomas Coon said, “It was truly fantastic to witness the enthusiasm and innovative ideas displayed by the children. We find STEM activities immensely rewarding, and it’s important to inspire our future engineers by showcasing the endless possibilities that a career in engineering can offer.”

Sam Uren added: “It was fabulous to see the levels of engagement and enthusiasm expressed when the children were designing their own stations. The opportunity for recognition of skills beyond academia is important with most of the activities focusing on communication and creativity.

“Having a decidedly mixed group was encouraging too – we recognise that diversity in engineering is crucial to solve the complex problems we manage and as women currently constitute only 16.5% of the engineering workforce, it was great to see so many girls enthusiastic about the task.”

Anne Mains, Headteacher of Croft Primary School said:  “We were so lucky to have a visit from SLC Rail.  It is important for children to know what opportunities are available for them.  Having such positive role models explaining civil engineering to them will hopefully open up their minds to an engineering career in the future.”