After winning the Midlands heat in May this year, a team of electrical engineering students from South & City College Birmingham have achieved first place in the National Finals for the interactive student engagement programme, Fast Trackers 2019.
Focused around railway engineering and fuelled by the ongoing development of High Speed Two (HS2), the programme aims to inspire students to continue onto higher education within engineering, creating an increased uptake on graduate-level jobs within the industry as a result.
Between 2-4 July, the five first year Level 3 electrical engineering students were tasked with redesigning Birmingham New Street Station and assessing and improving the ‘onward journey for passengers travelling through the city.
Alongside four other teams from colleges and universities across the UK, the South & City students were provided with an insight into HS2 and ‘mobility as a service’ through workshops and presentations at the High Speed Rail College in Birmingham.
After pitching their proposal to a panel of judges they won first place, receiving the Gold Crest Award.
Bee Narga-Martin, HE outreach advisor for South & City College Birminghamsaid: “From the beginning, our team were in it to win it. It was amazing for the students to win the regional heat, so we are really excited and thrilled that they brought home the national trophy too.
“The sponsors noticed the team’s growth in confidence since the regionals, which they believed was reflected in their presentation. It is a fantastic accolade not only for the students that took part, but also a proud moment for South & City College Birmingham.”
The competition allowed the five incredibly talented individuals to display their impressive knowledge, creativity and innovation, resulting in the opportunity to work with mentors from Network Rail and Mott MacDonald in the future.
