Students visit flagship Hitachi train maintenance centre

Ashford, Kent; 17^th June, 2015 - Hitachi Rail Europe today hosted students from Bethnal Green Academy at the Ashford Train Maintenance Centre in Kent, to see at first-hand the work the company is doing to maintain the iconic Class 395 ‘Javelin’ trains serving High Speed 1 (HS1) and Kent.

The visit was part of the Engineering Development Trust’s (EDT) Go4SET programme, which pioneers innovative ways of engaging students with careers in science, engineering and technology from the beginning of their school career.

Garry Davis, Human Resources Manager, Hitachi Rail Europe, said;

“It was a real pleasure to see the next generation of engineers asking insightful questions about the maintenance provision and service delivery of the Class 395 ‘Javelin’ fleet.”

Garry continued;

“We are committed to supporting the development of new engineers and as such we work with school leavers, apprentices and graduates to find the right career path for them.”

The students travelled from Stratford International to Ashford International on the Class 395 ‘Javelin’ service, experiencing the ease of travel on HS1.

On arrival, the students had the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day working of the Ashford Train Maintenance Centre.

Anisa Uddin, a Year 9 student from Bethnal Green Academy, who is currently preparing a project examining the environmental benefits of train travel, said of the visit;

“I am interested in exploring the option of working as an engineer in the future and really enjoyed speaking to Alex Ward, who started at Hitachi as a graduate engineer, about his experiences.”

Candice Ticehurst, Engineering Development Trust Co-coordinator for Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire & London said;

"The Go4SET scheme is vital for inspiring the next generation of STEM employees as it enables young people to get real world experience of what working in the field of STEM might be like. The students are supported by inspiring mentors and gain valuable insights into what opportunities are available to them through site visits, like to the Ashford Train Maintenance Centre today."

In addition to exploring the skills opportunities for aspiring engineers, the students were given a guided tour of the facility, and even had the chance to board the Class 395 itself.

Hitachi Rail Europe is committed to the development of young people and currently employs apprentices across several of its UK sites.