Routes into Rail: Virtual Work Experience

Job sector: Engineering

Overview

Unlock the secrets of the rail industry with our Virtual Work Experience Programme, brought to you by Springpod. Curious about the diverse roles in rail? This program lays the foundations for your exploration, offering insights into careers from driving and engineering to data analytics and sustainability management. Discover unexpected roles, complete engaging quizzes, and finish with a downloadable certificate. Immerse yourself in the world of rail, gaining valuable knowledge and opening doors to exciting career possibilities.

What’s Included

In this experience, you’ll explore the rail industry - from driving and engineering to data analytics and sustainability management. You’ll discover roles you may not have considered and the various ways to enter them. You’ll complete a series of quizzes and activities to help build your understanding of the industry, finishing the programme with a downloadable certificate.

What's covered in this Virtual Work Experience

Understanding the Rail Industry

When you hear rail, you might think of trains and drivers. While these things do play an essential role in the industry, there are many other aspects of rail! In this section, you’ll be introduced to a variety of roles in rail and the skills you’ll need to succeed in them. You’ll also participate in a myth-busting activity to debunk some common misconceptions about rail.

Engineering

You’ve certainly heard of engineering, but what do civil and electrical engineers really do in rail? In this module, you will discover the ins and outs of these roles and have the opportunity to hear from an industry professional. You will then assume their role, using your newfound knowledge to complete an activity.

Digital & Technology

Looking for a more tech-driven career? Do not worry; rail provides a variety of opportunities in this area. From digital signaller to software engineer, discover how industry professionals use the latest technology to enhance the functioning of the railway. Then apply what you’ve learned to an activity.

Operation & Drivers

No doubt about it, drivers are essential to the rail industry. But what does a day in the life of a driver really look like? In this module, you’ll find out! We’ll also look at operators and rail technicians and their vital contributions to rail. During the activity, you’ll get the opportunity to assume the role of a rail technician yourself.

Project Management

Thinking the managerial track is for you? Project managers play a big part in rail. In this module, you’ll discover what these industry professionals do. Sustainability managers work towards using the most environmentally friendly techniques. But what are these methods and how are they determined? Discover how this role functions and then apply the knowledge to an activity.

Professional Services

Who else works in the rail industry? Meet the ‘Professional Services’ team! Roles in this sector include anything from Finance to HR. These positions may not immediately come to mind when you think of rail, but they are an important part of the industry. You’ll get to try your hand at some data analytics yourself, applying what you've learned to an activity.

Award: Certificate of completion
Programme dates: 26 August 2024 - 1 June 2025

Eligibility criteria

Age: 15+

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Frequently Asked Questions

I have a question about my application or programme eligibility

When will I hear back if I have been successful with my application?

Once you have applied for your programme, you will receive a confirmation email. You will be notified about the outcome of your application via email at least 3 days before the programme start date. Good luck!

Can I apply to multiple programmes?

Yes, you can sign up to multiple programmes with us. The live talks will be available as recordings, so you can catch up on any potential clashes.

Who can take part in the programme? (Age limits, some programmes have location constraints but most don’t etc.)

Most of our programmes require students to be in school/college. Some programmes require students to be based in specific regions of the UK, this is stipulated by the organisations themselves, and is not defined by Springpod.

However, the ages mentioned on our programmes are more of a guideline than a strict limit. As such, we more than welcome older students to apply as well!

I have a question about my assignment

How long does it take for assignments to be reviewed?

Assignments can take up to a week or longer to review and be marked complete. Rest assured, it will be reviewed soon and your certificate will be generated once your programme has been marked as complete.

What do I do if I upload the wrong file?

If you make a mistake when uploading a file, please email hello@springpod.com. We will be able to make a note on our system. Don’t worry, the outcome of your programme will not be affected by this.

I have a question about the programme dates, deadline or workload

How long will I have to complete this programme?

There is no specific cut-off deadline for completing your programme (although, if possible, we would encourage you to complete all the work within the time frame, alongside the live webinar sessions).

When does the programme start?

Our programmes have various start dates, you can find the exact date on the programme website page. These are available here: https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience/search

You will be notified if your application has been successful, 3 days before the programme start date.

What happens if I can't finish the work experience in time?

All programme material will remain accessible after the end date of the programme. Students can continue to work through their programme after the official end date. Although, if possible, we would strongly encourage students to complete all the work within the time frame, alongside the live webinar sessions.

How much work is required for these programmes? (Will I be able/should I complete more than one programme at a time)?

There is around 10 hours worth of work in total, spread across a two week period. The live talks will be available as recordings, so you can catch up on any work whenever possible.

When do the programmes run? (programme structure etc.)

Once you have access, you can view and complete the material as and when you can, within the time frame of the course in question (for example, within a two week period). In total, there is around 10 hours worth of work. The live talks will take place during weekday working hours. However, all live talks will be available as recordings and the courses can be completed at your own convenience. . There is no specific cut-off deadline for completing your programme (although, if possible, we would encourage you to complete all the work within the time frame, alongside the live webinar sessions).

I have a question about the live talks

What happens if I can't make a live talk/webinar?

All live talks will be available as recordings. You can access these at the same link used to access the live event. So don’t worry if you can’t attend a live webinar, a recording will be available for you to access through your programme within 24 hours of the live event finishing.

What software is required for the live talks?

We use a piece of software called BigMarker. It is a cloud based video hosting software. It requires no installations or downloads on your end, and will provide everything you need to join the live webinars through one simple link.

Will I be able to ask questions/do I have to have my microphone on?

You will have a chance to ask questions at the end of each webinar. These questions are typed out and then read to the presenter by the host of the live talk. There is no need to speak, and all student microphones will be muted for the duration of the live webinar.

I have a question about the certificate

Will I receive a certificate on completion of the programme?

You will receive a certificate on completion of your programme. It will be made available to download whenever your programme is marked as complete.