EWR GI Training: Inspiring Future Rail Professionals in Cambridgeshire

Introduction

Seventeen early career professionals (ECPs) participated in a full-day immersive learning and practical engagement experience at the East West Railway (EWR) Ground Investigation (GI) team site in Chapel Hill, Cambridgeshire.

Geological Overview and Practical Engagement

Organized by EWR Investigation Supervisors Josh Dunlop and Sophie Stone-Wigg, the event included interactive stations led by industry experts. These stations covered a geology overview with core sampling demonstrations, piezometer* installation walkthroughs, and client Q&A sessions featuring EWR Engineering Specialist Neil Esslemont. Safety briefings and inductions were provided by Concept Engineering Solutions. Attendees interacted with drillers, engineers, unexploded ordnance** (UXO) specialists, and ecological clerks of works, gaining a comprehensive understanding of GI operations.

Interactive Sessions

The interactive sessions provided opportunities for attendees to engage with experts in various fields. Participants rotated through interactive stations, including a geology overview and core sampling demonstration. They also participated in piezometer installation walkthroughs and a client Q&A session with EWR Engineering Specialist Neil Esslemont. Safety briefings and inductions were led by Concept Engineering Solutions.

Participant Feedback and Outcomes

The visit was designed for those with limited site experience, with preparatory work including health and safety risk assessments, technical research, and online training. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with all 17 attendees recommending the experience to their peers. Hannah Fitzgibbon, Graduate Engineering Geologist, highlighted the breadth of topics and direct access to experts as invaluable. James Goodrich, Summer Placement Student, found the experience beneficial for understanding site environments and the coordination among contractors, clients, and consultants. Adam Castles, Civil Engineer, appreciated seeing how desk studies and consultancy work influence site operations.

Industry Impact and Future Plans

Neil Esslemont, Geotechnical Engineering Specialist, EWR Co, emphasized the importance of using the EWR project to advance the industry, particularly in ground investigations. Given the success of the Chapel Hill visit, East West Railway Company now plans to expand the programme across future phases, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing emerging talent across its Technical Partner and UK office network.

Conclusion

The East West Railway (EWR) Ground Investigation (GI) team hosted seventeen early career professionals (ECPs) at Chapel Hill in Cambridgeshire. The event was organized by EWR Investigation Supervisors Josh Dunlop and Sophie Stone-Wigg, with interactive stations led by industry experts. Feedback from the attendees was positive, and the company plans to expand the program.

East West Railway (EWR)

East West Railway (EWR) is a railway project.

Concept Engineering Solutions

Concept Engineering Solutions is a company that provided safety briefings and inductions.