Network Rail Celebrates International Women’s Day early with Mount Pupils

We were pleased to welcome Network Rail into school again for another wonderful day of tasks and discussion with our Years 10 and 12.

This stimulating day of challenges was designed to remind our pupils that any industry they wish to work in is open to them.

Tasks included ‘Bridge the Gap’ where groups worked as a team to build a bridge, with moving obstacles along the way such as ‘costs of materials rising overnight’. Pupils had to think on their feet and manage this tricky commission by allocating roles and deadlines.

Old Scholar, Elsie, who has worked for Network Rail for eight years, as a Telecoms Project Manager, said:

“My days at The Mount taught me that women can do anything but we all want to see this carried through across all industries so they’re representative of society.

Network Rail is proactively raising their profile as an excellent employer of women, as the rail industry still predominantly attracts men, but there are many great opportunities, as I know first-hand.

Of 900 apprenticeship applications recently, only 96 came from women and we’d like to see this change. Network Rail’s workforce is currently made up of 23% women, and this needs to shift, so we’re delighted to be here today to share opportunities and raise awareness that the rail industry can be an exciting and welcoming prospect for all.”

Deputy Head of College/Sixth Form, Mr Waddington, said:

“This was a fantastic way to celebrate International Women’s Day, focusing on equity in the workplace and giving our pupils the opportunity to try out future career options. We hope to repeat this each year as it has been so valuable and well received. Huge thanks to the whole Network Rail team for their time and commitment.”

Pupil, Berlin, said:

“I really enjoyed being assigned different jobs and working in a team to complete the project of building a bridge with real life circumstances and problems to solve as we took part in the task. I learnt so much about the broad opportunities and careers at Network Rail.”

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