Politics

Transport for London is minding the skills gap with school innovation competition

A scheme to get year 12 and 13 students to come up with innovative ways of solving challenges in the transport industry is underway.

The Innovate TfL scheme from Transport for London will test students on everything from their creativity and presentation skills to project management abilities.

Students at Uxbridge College in Middlesex won last year with a travel planning app, while the runners-up pitched a concept for a concertina bus that adjusts its length depending on the number of passengers.

TfL hopes the challenge will give participants an appreciation of the range of careers in the transport industry, and the pathways open to them if they choose STEM subjects. It is hoped it will also help to plug the skills gap in the engineering sector.

All teams shortlisted for the final will get the chance to undertake work experience with TfL, including sessions on marketing and engineering, and the opportunity to spend three days shadowing one area of the company. They will also get employability support, including help with CVs and interviews.

Finalists will be announced in January, with the winners crowned in February at a ceremony in central London.

 

Picture: Uxbridge College collects its winners’ certificate

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