On Tuesday 16 September, a group of our year 9 students visited The Midland Railway at Butterley. The Midland Railway – Butterley is a heritage railway and museum complex located near Ripley in Derbyshire.
Students were divided into three groups. Throughout the day, each group had the opportunity to engage with various QTS staff members, who shared insights into their roles and career journeys.
The day began with a session led by the maintenance team, who explained how they respond to incidents such as fallen trees and leaf build-up on the tracks during adverse weather. Students were given the chance to sit inside the heavy machinery used daily, offering a hands-on experience with the equipment.
Next, they met the general maintenance team, who are often on call overnight. This team travels to fault locations in vans to resolve electrical issues affecting the railway lines. The session gave students a real sense of the commitment and flexibility required in such roles.
Our students then walked to a nearby church, where three QTS staff members spoke about their diverse backgrounds and how they came to work in the rail industry. One had served in the armed forces, another had studied quantity surveying at university, and the third had joined QTS with no formal qualifications, now progressing through the company while studying part-time at college.
Later, students explored another area where a staff member demonstrated how drones are used to inspect hard-to-reach spaces and explained the use of smaller machinery for repairs and maintenance. This session highlighted the innovative technology and precision involved in modern railway work.
The day concluded with a team-building exercise, where students worked together to solve puzzles, match screws and bolts, and complete practical challenges. This activity encouraged collaboration and problem-solving, rounding off a highly engaging and educational experience.
Overall, the visit provided students with valuable insight into the variety of roles available at QTS and the different pathways into the rail industry.
