Network Rail and West Midlands Railway have joined forces with South & City College Birmingham to help develop the next generation of railway engineers, providing students with practical industry insights and clearer pathways into engineering careers.
The partnership will support approximately 55 students undertaking Level 1 and Level 2 engineering qualifications, combining their existing studies with opportunities to learn directly from railway professionals.
The initiative aims to strengthen links between education and industry while helping young people understand the career opportunities available across Britain’s railway network.
Connecting education with railway engineering
Students will gain first-hand insight into railway engineering, alongside professional development support designed to prepare them for future apprenticeships and employment.
Activities will include CV writing, interview coaching and opportunities to engage with experienced railway employees.
The partnership was facilitated by Birmingham Northfield MP Laurence Turner and formally launched at an event attended by students, college staff and representatives from the rail industry.
Former Network Rail apprentices Dan Taylor and Adam Johnson, who now work at the company’s Sandwell & Dudley Delivery Unit, shared their experiences of progressing from apprenticeships into permanent railway careers.
Adam Johnson, Section Manager for Signals and Telecoms, said: “The railway has been a great place for me to learn new things and build my career. I work with great people and can’t wait to continue developing personally and professionally in this exciting industry. I would recommend working on the railway to anyone who is interested.”
Building a local engineering workforce
The partnership reflects the industry’s continuing focus on attracting new talent and developing the technical skills needed to maintain and modernise railway infrastructure.
Denise Wetton, Integrated Managing Director for GBR West Midlands, said: “I’m really passionate about bringing the next generation of engineers into the railway and making sure we create clear pathways for local people to build great careers in our industry.
“Working with key local partners like South & City College Birmingham gives us a real opportunity to support jobs and skills in the West Midlands, while building a railway workforce that better reflects the communities we serve.
“I was genuinely impressed by the students and the insightful questions they asked. Their enthusiasm for engineering really came through, and it made me even more excited about what this partnership can achieve.”
Laurence Turner MP welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to connect local students with opportunities arising from investment in the West Midlands railway.
Supporting future apprenticeships and careers
The collaboration will complement the college’s existing engineering courses, providing additional industry knowledge and professional development opportunities.
Mike Hopkins MBE, Principal and CEO at South & City College Birmingham, said: “We are excited to enter this partnership to help our students prepare for their careers. We have some fantastic future engineers in our classrooms and workshops, and this opportunity will help them develop and grow so they are better prepared and ready for their next steps into the world of work.
“The launch marks the start of what will be an ongoing partnership between the college and the rail industry, bringing industry experience and insight into students’ learning and helping create clearer pathways into engineering apprenticeships and future careers.
“The partnership will continue to complement the college’s existing engineering courses, giving students opportunities to learn more about the railway, hear directly from people working in the industry and develop the wider skills and confidence that will help them take their next steps.”
The initiative establishes an ongoing relationship between the college and railway employers, with the aim of improving students’ understanding of the sector and their readiness for employment.
For the wider rail industry, partnerships of this kind offer an opportunity to engage prospective engineers earlier in their education, strengthen local recruitment pathways and support the development of a skilled workforce for future infrastructure and operational requirements.
