Students from a Wolverhampton school got their future careers on the right track when they designed their very own Metro extension as part of a project led by the Midland Metro Alliance.
The year 12 pupils from Thomas Telford University Technical College (TTUTC) put their studies to the test and demonstrated their technical and design skills during the three month employer project, which involved them designing a tramway for a city environment.
Following presentations of their work, staff from the alliance judged the groups on various aspects of their design, including the route, sustainability and cost considerations.
It is the third time the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) has delivered the programme at the Wolverhampton School and among this year’s judging panel were former TTUTC pupils, Finn Brittle and Evans Addae, who are now employed by the alliance and are completing a level six apprenticeship in surveying at the University of Wolverhampton. They successfully took part in the project themselves in 2019.
Simon Maxfield, Vice Principal at Thomas Telford UTC, said: “Employer projects such as these are a fantastic way for students to develop their creative and professional skills. They had great fun coming up with their own tramway design and I would like to thank the Midland Metro Alliance for their support. Working with employers really helps students to grow, both in knowledge and confidence. It was also a pleasure to welcome Finn and Evans back to the school who helped inspire their peers by showing them what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.”
Award trophies were presented to the students in a number of categories, including best design and most sustainable.
Rose Rees, Head of Engagement and Skills at the MMA, said: “It was fantastic to be a part of such an important project and I was inspired by the talent these young students displayed. It was tough for the judges to choose a winner due to the high quality of the presentations. We were all blown away by their enthusiasm. The extent of their effort and passion reinforces why it is so important for employers to engage with schools.”
The employer project is just one of the ways the Midland Metro Alliance, which is delivering a number of tram extensions on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), has supported the college. It helped refurbish one of the classrooms with a design that illustrates the aspirational construction career opportunities available within the transport and construction sectors.