Engineering and recruitment: key themes at Rail Live 2024

Back

How do we retain and build on learnings from the innovative engineering involved in the construction of High Speed 2? That will be one of many topics debated in the new engineering theatre being introduced for the first time at Rail Live 2024.

HS2 Phase One Engineering Director Giles Thomas will take to the stage to consider lessons from the project to create the UK’s first inter-city main line in over a century. Chaired by engineer and RAIL contributor Gareth Dennis and sponsored by Pandrol, the engineering theatre will additionally consider key subjects as diverse as creating resilience against climate change, unlocking freight’s potential, real-world uses of Artificial Intelligence, and digital signalling.

With future recruitment to the railway of increasing concern, this year’s Rail Live will also include a focus on attracting new people to the railway. Network Rail Group HR director Pauline Holroyd and East West Rail Innovation Manager Daisy Chapman-Chamberlain will be among those advising business leaders about how the railway can increase its appeal to a younger, more diverse workforce. Held at Porterbrook’s Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre on June 19/20, Rail Live will also host the rolling stock company’s ‘Primary Engineer’ programme, which allows children to investigate and build their own model trains.

 

 

Porterbrook’s Long Marston Operations Manager Phil Handford said of the programme: “I’m hoping that some of these young kids today, from what they’ve taken in this experience, will become an engineer - whether it’s in the railway, car industry, or wherever.” Rail Live will also include a dedicated Railway Industry Association Innovation Lounge, displays of ‘yellow plant’, plus rolling stock including a Stadler Class 93 from Rail Operations Group and a Network Rail Class 153 monitoring train. Speakers will include Rail Minister Huw Merriman, Great British Railways Transition Team’s Lead Director Rufus Boyd, NR Chief Executive Andrew Haines, incoming HM Chief Inspector of Railways Richard Hines, and Rail Safety and Standards Board Chief Operations Officer Johnny Schute.

With record registrations year-on-year, the 2024 show will also feature a revamped transport offering. This includes a new fast track entrance and express coaches from Stratford-upon-Avon town centre, as well as from the stations at Warwick Parkway and Honeybourne (RAIL 1008).

New RAIL Editor Dickon Ross told the magazine: “As RAIL’s new editor, I’m delighted to be taking the reins at such an exciting time for the industry, and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at what looks like being another record-breaking Rail Live. From engineering to strategy and political thinking, we have an unbeatable line-up at what is once again Britain’s premier outdoor railway show. Registration is still open - so don’t miss your chance to rub shoulders with industry leaders and see the latest kit and innovations, as together we work to take the industry forward.”