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TRAINING


Amy Barley and Tanya Galliara, of the IMechE Railway Division Young Members Committee, give details of its events programme and engagement projects.


A


lack of young engineers considering a career in the railway is leading to- wards a real skills shortage in the industry. To combat this, the Institution of Mechani- cal Engineers (IMechE) Railway Division Young Members Committee raises the pro- file of the industry by supporting the con- tinuing development of the existing young members.


Our membership base is typically com- prised of graduate engineers who are de- veloping competencies towards achieving Chartered Engineer status. The Commit- tee aims to motivate and encourage young engineers to develop a successful transport sector in the future.


The committee has made enormous pro- gress over the last two years in the num- ber and range of events that we offer, spe- cifically tailored to meet the development needs of our members. The annual pro- gramme of events includes a one-day tech- nical visit to three companies in different industries, two summer technical lectures, two Christmas lectures, a networking even- ing, facilitation of a young members’ paper competition and a three-day autumn tech- nical visit.


Technical visits are an important part of the event programme as they provide op- portunities which are omitted from many graduate training schemes. Previous tech- nical visits have demonstrated that these events allow delegates to develop their knowledge of the railway industry and to experience how other sectors manage simi- lar challenges. As a committee, we believe that this contributes to a better informed, more open-minded young engineer.


To meet the needs of the current young members, we are offering a new style of autumn technical visit this year. There has been a request for more interactive activi- ties to enhance the learning outcomes, as many young engineers do not get the op-


portunity for practical experience. In re- sponse to this request, the Railway Division Young Members Committee is delivering ‘Hands on Heritage’, which is a three-day event at the Kent & East Sussex Historic Railway.


At this event, the delegates will don their overalls to carry out maintenance tasks uti- lising traditional methods on a range of lo- comotives. The young engineers will learn of the challenges faced in running and maintaining a historic railway, gaining an understanding of how railways have grown and developed since their introduction to the travelling public in the 19th century.


This will provide the delegates with a wider appreciation of the railway industry and give inspiration for how it can be developed over the coming years.


The visit will give delegates the opportu- nity to learn about the intricate workings of numerous vehicles, to gain an apprecia- tion of the operational challenges and to give something back to the railway. The ac- tivities involve replacing the floor of an old


pipe wagon, stripping down a steam loco- motive, maintaining the boilers and carry- ing out inspections of the operational stock.


As a reward for all of their hard work, the delegates will have the opportunity to get on the footplate and learn the basic skills required to drive a steam locomotive.


Over the coming years we are committed to offering a programme of events which con- tinue to be topical, relevant and thought provoking. We are encouraging the young members to suggest events which they would like to attend as we want to continue to offer experiences which are appeal- ing and informative, as we are doing with ‘Hands on Heritage’.


‘Hands on Heritage’ is sponsored by Angel Trains,


Atkins, Hitachi, Rail Technology Magazine, rtmjobs.com, and Virgin Trains. FOR MORE INFORMATION


For details or to book a place, visit: www.imeche.org/events/O1438 Or contact Emma Fox at the IMechE on: railway@imeche.org.


rail technology magazine Aug/Sep 11 | 61


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