{"id":255071,"date":"2025-07-22T20:41:52","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T10:41:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/railuk.com\/?p=180158"},"modified":"2025-07-22T20:41:52","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T10:41:52","slug":"railway-enthusiast-gets-taste-of-dream-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=255071","title":{"rendered":"Railway enthusiast gets taste of dream job"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/railuk.com\/general-interest\/railway-enthusiast-gets-taste-of-dream-job\/\" title=\"Railway enthusiast gets taste of dream job\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"485\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114105\/vanti-west-485x360.jpg\" class=\"webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"display: block; margin-bottom: 5px; clear:both;max-width: 100%;\" link_thumbnail=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114105\/vanti-west-485x360.jpg 485w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114105\/vanti-west-80x60.jpg 80w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 485px) 100vw, 485px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Avanti West Coast surprises 11-year-old railway enthusiast with train driving experience.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Avanti West Coast offer railway enthusiast a unique train driver experience<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Joshua Emmett, 11, takes on his dream job for the day at London Euston<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Surprise visit designed to support Joshua\u2019s learning and goal to become a train driver<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Avanti West Coast has given a young railway enthusiast the chance to experience his dream job during a special visit at London Euston station.<\/p>\n<p>The train operator welcomed Joshua Emmett, 11, who is from Stoke-on-Trent, to become a rookie train driver for the day after discovering his passion for the railway.<\/p>\n<p>Joshua spots trains every week \u2013 travelling between his local railway stations in the hope to see his favourite and rare trains, as well as hearing their horns. His visits to Crewe are those he likes best because of the friendly drivers and opportunity to see terminating and night trains. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Joshua\u2019s tutor, Lauren Rhodes, approached Avanti West Coast asking if a unique experience to support his learning and aspirations to be a train driver could be arranged.<\/p>\n<p>Lauren explained that due to anxiety, these outings are some of the only times Joshua leaves his house and are one of the few activities that bring him joy, a sense of confidence, and social interaction.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m a huge advocate for experiential based learning and felt a sneak peek into the railway would support Joshua,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs soon as I met Joshua, I could see his absolute love and passion for the railway. I found it truly inspiring. He taught me lots about trains and I could see how much they meant to him \u2013 it is beyond a hobby!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The 11-year-old railway enthusiast established his own YouTube channel a year ago called \u2018The Secret Train Spotter\u2019 that features videos with tips and sounds of horns. He dedicates his spare time recording videos, editing and engaging the train enthusiast community.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_4-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"180160\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-180160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_4-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_4-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_4-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_4-1068x712.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_4-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_3-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"180159\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-180159\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_3-630x420.jpg 630w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_3-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_3-1068x712.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114055\/Avanti_West_Coast_Railway_Enthusiast_Visit_3-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p>Inspired by his story, the intercity operator invited Joshua for a day on the West Coast Main Line with his family \u2013 travelling on a Pendolino train from Stoke-on-Trent to London, where they enjoyed a tour of the driver\u2019s cab.<\/p>\n<p>Joshua then took to the controls of a Pendolino train simulator and gained an insight into the job. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The sounds of trains is what the rail enthusiast is most passionate about. His favourite train horn is that of a Class 82 locomotive and during his trainspotting adventures he often gets the chance to sound horns.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI love the railway \u2013 especially the sounds and different trains. My favourite livery is Avanti West Coast\u2019s Progress train because of the rainbow colours. I feel honoured to have been given the chance to drive a Pendolino,\u201d said Joshua.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want to become a train driver because I want to help people get to their destinations. I love looking out of the window and seeing the sights. Being able to have a view from the driver\u2019s cab would be amazing!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Joanna Buckley, Avanti West Coast Community Manager, said: \u201cIt was a pleasure welcoming Joshua to Euston station to become a train driver for the day. His passion and enthusiasm for the railway was brilliant and he showed great potential in the driver\u2019s seat. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTrains mean a lot to Joshua, which is why we were keen to make his experience special and spur him on to pursue a career in rail \u2013 it\u2019s especially fitting as the railway marks its 200<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;anniversary and wants to inspire the next generation. We wish Joshua all the best with his studying and hope his dream of becoming a train driver comes true one day.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Reflecting on Joshua\u2019s day as a train driver, Lauren said: \u201cI\u2019m amazed and so grateful to Avanti West Coast for providing this opportunity. This is a dream come true for Joshua and an invaluable experience for him \u2013 socially, personally, and educationally.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI hope this experience will give him the confidence and reassurance the next stage of his education will be vital to help get where he wants to be. Hopefully, one day I will be able to travel on a train with him \u2013 maybe even one driven by him!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Image credit: Avanti West Coast<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/railuk.com\/general-interest\/railway-enthusiast-gets-taste-of-dream-job\/\" title=\"Railway enthusiast gets taste of dream job\" rel=\"nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"485\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.railuk.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/22114105\/vanti-west-485x360.jpg\" class=\"webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image\" alt=\"\"><\/a>Avanti West Coast surprises 11-year-old railway enthusiast with train driving experience. Avanti West Coast has given a young railway enthusiast the chance to experience his dream job during a special visit at London Euston station. The train operator welcomed Joshua Emmett, 11, who is from Stoke-on-Trent, to become a rookie train driver for the day [\u2026]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":1,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16013,16017,8221,47,48,913,85],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-255071","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general-interest","category-industry-news","category-people","category-rail-news","category-technology","category-travel","category-uk"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/255071","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=255071"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/255071\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":255072,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/255071\/revisions\/255072"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=255071"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=255071"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=255071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}