Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership (CRP) is celebrating the hard work of their latest intern, Bedford College student Alfie Whittaker, as he completes his placement with the Partnership.
Alfie joined Marston Vale CRP on student placement from Bedford College in October 2021. Alfie was on the third year of his Foundation Skills Internship course, which involved two days per week with Marston Vale CRP and one day at college studying English and Maths.
Alfie has always had a keen interest in railways, since being gifted a Hornby train set as a child. He has gradually gained more knowledge and understanding of trains and how the rail network works as a whole, leading him to wish to pursue a career as a member of train crew.
During his time with Marston Vale CRP, Alfie has been instrumental in assisting with events celebrating the 175th Anniversary Year of the Line. Beginning in November 2021, he has helped organise a number of Anniversary events (including the Fun Day and Exhibition) as well as providing input for the design of the Anniversary vinyls for two of the Class 230 units.
Some of Alfie’s other placement highlights have included attending the Community Rail Awards in Southampton in December 2021 and being part of the Engaging Young People in Community Rail Panel at the Community Rail Conference in Nottingham in March 2022.
Alfie also recently had the opportunity to visit Birmingham New Street and the London Northwestern Railway Head Office at Edmund Street as part of Community Rail Week, where he met a range of staff including drivers, senior conductors and members of the management team to learn about their roles.
Following the conclusion of his placement in July 2022, Alfie will be continuing his involvement with Marston Vale CRP as their newly elected Youth Ambassador. This role is the first of its kind in the country and will include attending Marston Vale CRP Steering Group meetings and volunteering one day a week. Alfie has also joined the London Northwestern Railway Customer Panel and the Stakeholder Equality Group.
Congratulations Alfie, and keep up the amazing work!
