‘Fusion Learning’, a partnership project between Robin Hood Line CRP, Bolsover District Council, Engineered Learning, East Midlands Railway, Direct Education Business Partnership, Community Rail Network and CrossCountry, provided a group of young people with not only practical experience and a recognised qualification, but also a supportive environment in which to harness their creativity, nurture their aspirations and boost their confidence.

12 students aged 14-16, previously at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), were given the opportunity to learn fabrication and welding in an authentic workshop environment, gaining knowledge and transferrable skills to take with them as they move on to work, apprenticeships or further education. Over the course of 24 sessions at Engineered Learning, the students worked together to design and produce prototypes of their chosen design – a woolly mammoth – before creating the final, large-scale metal sculpture. The new landmark now sits proudly at Creswell Station.

All 12 students completed the course and earnt a Level 1 NCFE Award in Industry-Specific Engineering Skills, as well as going on to complete their academic studies at school. Several students have since embarked upon apprenticeships, with one even joining the Royal Engineers. The project has also been extended for another year to continue providing vital education opportunities for young people.

Having recognised the alarming level of rail trespass on their line, Bishop Line CRP was determined to raise local young people’s awareness of the dangers of trespassing by providing rail safety support for schools. With additional funding from the Community Rail Development Fund and CrossCountry, the CRP employed a dedicated education officer, who delivered a series of accessible and interactive workshops, assemblies and resources for local schools.

Students demonstrated their learning through the activities, which ranged from play-based age appropriate activities  including  videos, quizzes and group discussions. Throughout the sessions,  students were able to identify risks, make safe choices in a specific scenario and explain the most important messages they had learned.

In 2023-24, Bishop Line CRP visited 22 schools, delivering 98 sessions and engaging 3,791 young people – a huge increase on the initial target of 2,500. Of these students, 185 took part in extra ‘try the train’ trips, funded by Northern, to further enhance their in-classroom educational experiences and put their newfound safety knowledge and travel confidence into practice.

Through the Thurrock’s Next Top Boss competition – a programme empowering young people to tackle real-life business challenges – c2c partnered with Thurrock Council, and worked with 12 schools and colleges to inspire students to create innovative solutions that would strengthen c2c’s connection with its customers while creating sustainable, inclusive benefits.

The winning team, c2Sanitary from Grays Convent High School, proposed the installation of eco-friendly sanitary product vending machines in female toilets across c2c's 26 stations. Their solution, backed by research and partnerships with sustainable supplier Here We Flo, tackled period poverty and highlighted the importance of providing access to menstrual products in public spaces.

The first dispenser was installed at Grays Station in May 2024, with 55 more to follow. The project is already receiving significant positive feedback, providing an inspiring example of young people driving social change while addressing a genuine community issue, supported by collaboration between education services and the rail industry.