Great central Railway partners with Loughborough College to offer T Level industry placements
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 7 March 2025
Great Central Railway, the UK’s only dual track heritage railway, has partnered with Loughborough College to provide industry placements for five T Level students, a two-year vocational qualification for students aged 16–19, designed to develop practical knowledge and skills aligned with industry needs.
Following a successful trial last year with a student in the Signal and Telegraph team, GCR has expanded the initiative to include placements across multiple departments. The students will be working on projects and participating in the daily operations of the railway, in the Infrastructure, Permanent Way, Volunteer Support, Marketing and Carriage & Wagon Departments.
As part of the programme, students must complete 340 hours of industry placement, gaining first-hand experience in a real working environment. This initiative will offer valuable hands-on experience across various aspects of the heritage railway’s operations, further strengthening the railway’s commitment to skills development and community engagement.
David Ellard, Head of People Engagement at Great Central Railway, commented on the partnership:
“This initiative allows us to share our expertise while giving students invaluable industry experience. By engaging them in real-world projects, we hope to inspire the next generation of professionals in heritage rail and beyond.”
The partnership with Loughborough College complements the Great Central Railway’s existing apprenticeship scheme as well as its Key Stage 3 work experience which will be made up of at least 7 participants this school year across Loco, Carraige & Wagon, P. Way and Service Delivery departments. Combined with the development of new on site classroom facilities for training and educational visits, it’s a continued sign of their investment in creating the talent of tomorrow. By providing structured industry placements, GCR is helping to bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping young people with the knowledge and experience required for future careers.
For more information about Great Central Railway visit www.gcrailway.co.uk.
