Client: Transport iNet (innovation Network) & National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering (NSARE)

Project: iRail 2011 Regional Fair and Outreach Programme

Summary

By Design devised, developed, managed and delivered a high profile STEM showcase event and outreach programme (to engage with young people) for the East Midlands Rail Industry.

Objective

To develop a platform to both showcase the rail industry and interact with young people with a view to demonstrating the varied and diverse science and engineering opportunities that exist in a growing industry.

Solution

A multi-faceted event themed around the Rail industry, entitled innovation Rail (iRail) 2011 was devised by By Design and implemented accordingly. The event took place at the newly re-furbished, historically significant and award winning Derby Roundhouse and gained support from the following organisations: Transport iNet, Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum, Network Rail, Bombardier, Balfour Beatty Rail, Porterbrook, Plasser, Angel Trains, Interfleet and Sydac.

The day provided an opportunity for the Rail industry to showcase their activity, network, interact with young people and celebrate their innovation and success and included the following elements:

• iRail 2010 Business Breakfast - this networking breakfast provided an opportunity for senior figures from the rail industry, public sector and Government to engage and discuss current issues.
• iRail 2011 Student Engineering Challenge - after industry related visits to Bombardier and Derby Station, 72 students from across the East Midlands were invited to present their innovative engineering solutions for the rail industry to a 'Dragon's Den' style panel of judges which included the music mogul and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman. Mentored during the day by industry experts, students looked at both customer and heavy engineering opportunities within the industry. By Design also designed, wrote and implemented all industry specific educational material for this part of the day.
• The inaugural iRail Distinguished Lecture and Reception

Results

iRail 2011 was a huge success with the event exceeding all targets, and being both well received and supported by the Rail industry. The brand has now been firmly established and provides the opportunity to expand the programme into a national profile event.

For more information on how we can help deliver your education message contact us on info@bydesign-group.co.uk