The Design a Railway Station Awards brought together over 120 students from SEN and mainstream schools and colleges across the West Midlands and Black Country, challenging them to imagine the railway station of 2030. Organised with key industry partners, the initiative encouraged creativity and innovation and gave young people a unique opportunity to engage with the rail industry.
- Organisation: Design a Railway Station Awards
- Location: West Midlands
- Activity: Design competition
- Outcome: Over 120 students inspired
“This competition has been a shining example of what happens when we encourage young people to think beyond limits and dream big. Their designs were imaginative, forward-thinking, and a real testament to the talent we have in the region. Well done to all the participants – you have made us incredibly proud!”
Monica Barbosa, Client Services Director, RSS Infrastructure
Key actions
- Over 120 students from diverse backgrounds took part.
- Included students from SEN (special educational needs) schools and mainstream education.
- A judging panel with representatives from Network Rail, West Midlands Trains, Balfour Beatty, RSS Infrastructure, Women in Rail, Young Rail Professionals and more.
- Hands-on engagement between students and rail sector leaders, helping to bridge the gap between education and industry.
What we did
RSS Infrastructure, in collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority Careers Hub and Women in Rail, sponsored and took an active part in the Design a Railway Station Awards.
- Encouraging young minds: students were challenged to think beyond traditional constraints and design a futuristic railway station with sustainability, accessibility and technology at its core.
- Industry exposure: a panel of judges from across the rail sector, including RSSI, assessed the designs, giving students the chance to meet industry professionals.
- Diversity and inclusion: the competition was open to students from a range of educational backgrounds, including SEN schools, promoting equal opportunities in STEM careers.
- Celebrating talent: the awards event at Walsall Football Club celebrated young talent, with a visit from Perry the Bull, the 2022 Commonwealth Games mascot.
How it helped
The initiative inspired the next generation of infrastructure professionals and increased industry engagement with young people from diverse backgrounds.
How it reflects our values
This initiative reflects our mission to empower people and industries to create a safer, more productive world by bridging the gap between education and industry, and helps make sure the rail industry’s future is innovative and inclusive.
Get in touch
For more information on how RSS Infrastructure can deliver meaningful social value in your supply chain, contact Rohan Jhamat, HSQE & Sustainability Apprentice, at rohan.jhamat@rssinfrastructure.com or call 0330 113 0004.
Download this case study (PDF)
Related: Official Event Sponsors for the ‘Design a Railway Station 2030’ Competition · Social value at RSS Infrastructure
