Team members at Siemens Mobility’s Goole Rail Village have continued to spark interest among local schoolchildren in careers in engineering. Partnering with national charity Primary Engineer, Siemens Mobility has delivered an engaging programme in primary schools across Goole and the surrounding area, inspiring the next generation of train designers and engineers.
Aglaja Schneider, joint CEO and managing director, rolling stock and customer services, said: “Reaching the fifth year of our partnership with Primary Engineer is a fantastic milestone and something we’re incredibly proud of. Over that time, we’ve helped introduce thousands of young people to the exciting world of engineering, opening their eyes to career opportunities they may never have considered before.”
This year, Siemens Mobility worked with 10 schools, with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Ambassadors delivering workshops that engaged children and teachers throughout the school year.
The programme culminated in a celebration event at Goole Rail Village on Tuesday 7 July. Over five years of partnership, Siemens Mobility and Primary Engineer have engaged with almost 33 schools, more than 2,500 children aged five to 11, and around 80 teachers.
Aglaja continued: “As a parent, I know how important it is for children to see what’s possible for their future. Programmes like this give young people the confidence to be curious, ask questions and explore how they can make a difference through science, technology, and engineering.
” We hope the pupils taking part today leave inspired, and that some of them may one day return to the Goole Rail Village as apprentices, graduates or colleagues.”
Through hands-on, rail-themed engineering projects – including designing, testing and evaluating miniature trains – pupils developed skills in problem-solving, teamwork, creativity and critical thinking.
Phoebe Taylor, Level 5 operations manager apprentice and STEM Ambassador at Siemens Mobility, said: “As someone at the beginning of my own career, it’s been really rewarding to help young people discover what engineering is all about.
“I didn’t have many opportunities to meet engineers when I was at school, so being able to share my experiences as an apprentice at Siemens Mobility and show children the different pathways available to them is something I’m proud to be part of.”
Siemens Mobility has committed up to £240 million to create Goole Rail Village, a fully integrated rail hub bringing up to 1,000 jobs to East Yorkshire and supporting around 1,700 supply chain opportunities. New Piccadilly line trains for Transport for London are being assembled at Goole, and the company intends to build future main line trains at the site, including battery bi-mode trains.
Tracey Levitt, design and technology / art and design subject lead at Holme On Spalding Moor Primary School, said: “We have greatly valued the opportunity to work alongside both Primary Engineer and Siemens Mobility. The rail project has provided our staff with valuable training and the tools and materials to deliver an engaging STEM activity which has enthused and inspired both adults and pupils, alike.
“The children have found pleasure in working with a clear purpose, navigated problems, sought solutions and delighted in taking full ownership of their builds and their successes! Our strong links with Siemens Mobility are treasured. This is a fantastic project to adopt and a great way to promote greater knowledge of the vast career opportunities that await our children…at Holme On Spalding Moor we are acutely aware of the fact that – if they don’t see it, they can’t want to be it!
“Thank you, Siemens Mobility and Primary Engineer for facilitating such a precious opportunity, great memories made!”
Image credit: Siemens Mobility
