Hitachi recently collaborated with the education charity EDT to inspire more young people to consider a career in the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Hitachi Rail invited 20 young people to its depot at Bounds Green in London for a day looking at the opportunities that EDT could provide. The day was designed to build confidence in the youngsters, raise their aspirations, and show them the career opportunities available with Hitachi Rail and across the wider engineering and transport sectors.
The day delivered EDT’s Industrial Cadets Bronze Routes into STEM programme, where the participants could see what was involved in the maintenance of some of the UK’s most advanced trains. They were also shown how the depot works with Hitachi’s customers to keep train services running effectively and efficiently.
During the day, students met Hitachi Rail employees where they could ask them about their careers and gain valuable advice about entering the railway industry. These discussions showed the students how STEM careers were key to many different routes into engineering.
The visit was part of Hitachi Rail’s wider commitment to STEM, which includes co-founding the South Durham University Technical College, donating equipment to support rail engineering courses at London College, and providing apprenticeships at its UK sites.
In April, fourteen Year 8 students visited East Midlands Railway headquarters in Derby to explore career opportunities across the UK rail industry, and in February, further career pathways were opened up when the minimum age to become a train driver was lowered from 20 to 18 years old.
“We are always looking for opportunities to explore ways in which Hitachi Rail can support skills development and employability in the UK with a strong focus on STEM education, improving employability and allowing access to high-quality careers. EDT’s program, where they facilitate student visits to engineering companies and encourage curiosity about various career paths, is in perfect alignment with our mission”
Rachel Evans, Senior HR Director – UK & Ireland, Hitachi Rail
Responses
I hope this Senior HR Director – UK & Ireland of Hitachi Rail sat these students down and told them the story of Hitachi class 810 trains to Transport UK badged as EMR as in Hitachi Delivered the trains years late and they keep breaking down ….as in never have worked properly. And regularly require complete system resets (which is not really a fix, the problem will come back) that takes 20 minutes during which time the train is just stuck blocking a running line or platform. And that boys and girls is how Hitachi Rail are Inspiring The Next ..