RSS Infrastructure (RSSI) is delighted to announce its collaboration with Balfour Beatty Rail and the Midlands Rail Alliance (MRA) as official event sponsors of the innovative Design a Railway Station 2030 competition.
This initiative, inspired by a shared vision with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Careers Hubs, invites young people from schools across Birmingham and the Black Country to reimagine the future of railway stations, blending creativity, engineering, and sustainability. The goal is to inspire the next generation to engage with the rail industry and develop the essential skills to shape the future of rail infrastructure in the Midlands and beyond.
The Midlands, with its rich industrial heritage and critical role in the UK’s rail network, has always been a source of rail innovation and talent.
As the heart of the country’s rail infrastructure, supporting the development of tomorrow’s engineers, designers, and planners is crucial. The Design a Railway Station 2030 competition, developed alongside WMCA Careers Hubs, addresses this need, encouraging students to explore visionary ideas to help shape a more sustainable and connected rail network for future generations.
Monica Barbosa, Client Services Director of RSS Infrastructure, shared her enthusiasm for the competition: “At RSS Infrastructure, we believe in the power of education and innovation to transform the future of rail. The Railway Station 2030 competition is an incredible opportunity for young people across Birmingham and the Black Country to develop their skills and gain insight into the rail industry while imagining its future. As a Midlands-based SME, RSS Infrastructure is proud to work closely with WMCA Careers Hubs on an initiative to inspire the next generation right here in the heart of the Midlands.”
Lisa Bowden, Winning Work Director of Balfour Beatty Rail, added: “This competition offers an excellent opportunity to engage students and showcase the diverse careers available within the rail industry.
“By collaborating with schools and industry partners, and engaging young minds, we are not only nurturing creativity and innovative thinking but equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need for future success. I’m excited to be involved in this project and to work alongside the young people in the West Midlands over the coming months.”
Alasdair MacDonald, Alliance Manager of the Midlands Rail Alliance (MRA), commented: “We are excited to sponsor the ‘Design a Railway Station 2030’ initiative. This great project with local schools allows us to engage with young people across the West Midlands and the Black Country, hearing their innovative ideas and inspiring the potential workforce of the future.
“Our vision is a connected Midlands, where enhanced engagement provides everyone with a better life, opportunities, and greater prospects.”
The Design a Railway Station 2030 competition will provide students with a platform to present their vision of future railway stations, incorporating key elements such as sustainability, accessibility, and technological innovation. This initiative encourages creativity and offers students practical insights into the rail industry, helping bridge the gap between education and industry needs.
This initiative reflects a shared dedication to securing the future of rail through education, innovation, and community engagement. By encouraging the engineers and innovators of tomorrow, we aim to ensure that the Midlands remains a leader in the UK’s rail industry for years to come.
For more information, please visit the RSS Design a Railway Station 2030 page here.
