As part of the Life Skills Programme, Merseyrail and its fleet maintenance provider Stadler gave local students a behind-the-scenes tour of the depot at Kirkdale.

Brodie Foster and Jordan Green attend Everton Free School and the 14-year-old students visited the depot to see the different job opportunities which are available in the railway industry.

They had a tour of the sheds and prototype battery train, as well as a look at the new trains.

The Life Skills Programme aims to inspire and motivate children with the opportunities which could be available to them when they leave school.

The boys had a look in the drivers cab to get an understanding of how the trains operate.

Brodie Foster, one of the students from Everton Free School, said: “I enjoyed seeing the future technology of transport in Liverpool. I want to be a rail engineer in the future and it was enlightening experience.”

Jane English, People Director at Merseyrail, said: “As a key part of the Liverpool City Region, it’s vital that we here at Merseyrail give back to the local communities that we serve.

“Our partnership with Everton Free School is a great example of this and I’m thrilled that, together with Stadler, we were able to give these two boys a fantastic opportunity to learn all about the rail industry and even get a sneak peek at our new trains.

“The rail industry offers a multitude of career opportunities and it’s our responsibility to inspire the next generation to consider rail as an option upon leaving school.”

Rob Baxter, Managing Director of Stadler Rail Service UK, said: “A positive experience of the working world can have lasting and far-reaching consequences on the life of a young person.

“Stadler was very happy to welcome two pupils from Everton Free School recently. We consider it a privilege to provide an insight into our operations, including the running of our state-of-the-art depot, which will be home to the new trains for the Liverpool City Region.

“We intend to do more work with local schools in future.”

Rob Anderson, Teacher at Everton Free School, added: “We are so grateful for the support Merseyrail provide to our students. It is so important that young people get the opportunity to explore their future options in a working environment.

“Everyone at Everton Free School is incredibly thankful to Merseyrail and Stadler for accommodating us and inspiring our learners.”

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