Railtrack plc

Year In Industry honour for Railtrack students
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date 4 July 1997
source Railtrack plc
type Press release

Railtrack students Chris Hunwick and Awais Khan made a display of themselves at the Manchester G-Mex and took a prestigious industrial accolade in the process.

Oxbridge bound, the dynamic duo saw off competition from such notable 'giants' as Shell and ICI to win first prize at the North West Year In Industry awards for their audio/visual exhibition, illustrating life at Railtrack, 'the heart of the railway.'

Both aged 19, Chris and Awais first pulled into the sidings with the railway guardian last year, enrolling on the successful Year in Industry scheme after scoring top marks in their A levels.

The scheme itself is aimed at placing young people within business, offering them employment for a year and experience of a real working environment, whilst also fostering links between education and industry. Of the 2,500 students who have already passed through the scheme, 86% opt for careers in industry on graduation from University.

A former pupil of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, Chris made his mark in Railtrack's North West Zone, undertaking projects for the account executive and public affairs departments.

Explained the Lancashire lad, who hails from Darwen: 'It was an excellent learning curve and provided me with the ideal opportunity to develop my interpersonal skills, whilst also tackling various rail-related issues. The whole scheme is an excellent pre-cursor for industry and I would recommend it to anyone.'

Chris was responsible for a variety of projects, including the creation of the Informed Traveller database - helping to improve public notification of delays to services, staff training in how to use the database and a series of monthly customer reports.

Meanwhile Awais, who lives in Nelson, was testing his mettle in Track Access, assisting Railtrack staff in the preparation and co-ordination of the regional rail timetables through the Network Rules Department, whilst also supporting the Compensation Department and undertaking a variety of Year in Industry projects.

'After leaving Edge End High School and then Burnley Sixth form centre where I did my A levels, I decided to take a year out after hearing about the Year in Industry scheme through careers.

`In the time I've been with Railtrack, I have not only learnt to work as part of a team, but I have also gained a management qualification in the process. The whole experience has certainly helped my personal development and Railtrack have been very supportive and an excellent employer.'

The pair also joined the academic elite whilst with the rail custodian, with Chris winning a place at Lincoln College, Oxford, to study Classics (Greek and Latin), and Awais gaining a place at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, to pursue a BA Hons degree in Economics.

And on Tuesday (1 July), the undergraduates saw the fruits of their Railtrack labours pay dividends when they were presented with the award for best display at the Year in Industry annual presentation, held at the Manchester G-Mex.

Said a delighted Awais: 'We are both very pleased. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time at Railtrack and to end our year on a high is superb. It's particularly satisfying as we were up against students from such companies as Manweb, Manchester Airport and Nuclear Electric.'

Director of Railtrack's North West Zone Chris Leah was also quick to praise the teenager's achievements.

'The Year in Industry is an excellent initiative, which provides the students with valuable experience, whilst also allowing companies to utilise fresh ideas and identify employees of the future.

'This year we have been particularly fortunate at Railtrack to have had the services of both Chris and Awais, who have been welcome additions to the team. This award is very well deserved and they are a credit not only to themselves but also to Railtrack.'

Railhub Archive ::: 1997-07-04 RTK-001