The RailStaff Awards 2024

Debbie Templeton

Said the following about QTS Marketing Team:

“QTS Group – The Future of Rail

The rail industry is an exciting and dynamic place to work – but it’s also facing a future potential skills crisis. Young people need to be shown the benefits of a career in rail and the wide range of employment opportunities that go with it.

QTS identified that in order to showcase the best of what the rail industry had to offer, we had to bring to life some of the possible careers and invite young people into the heart of our business.

Called the Future of Rail, QTS hosted this two day event, in partnership with AmcoGiffen, Carnell and Scotland’s Railway, at its Rench Farm HQ on the 31st May/1st June, with day one being dedicated to engaging young people.

Working in partnership with AD&CO, the QTS marketing team developed a full new, standalone visual brand for this event, which was designed to create an overarching, consistent banner for all three companies involved.

Over 150 students from over 10 schools across Lanarkshire and Ayrshire were in attendance and included a mix of male and female pupils.

Utilising the Developing Young Work Force coordinators in each of the schools, the QTS marketing team put together ‘Future of Rail’ branded communication to be used to reach out to students and teachers, encouraging them to attend the day.

QTS supplied buses for each school attending, removing any barriers for inclusion.

Every young person had the opportunity to come along and see our plant machinery in action, meet some of our staff, including apprentices, and speak to some of our people about their route into rail. HR teams from QTS and AmcoGiffen were on hand to give out information on how to start your career within the industry.

The marketing team also created material designed to give information about the plant they had the opportunity to watch in action. These 1m x 1m visual boards were displayed at each demonstration area and featured QR codes taking them to more video content for further details and rich media. Takeaway materials were also available for the children who wanted them.

On the day itself, we utilised social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to share information on how the day was going and the reaction of those in attendance.

The team also took the opportunity to speak to teachers and staff about their experience on video, so that we could generate highlights of the day to share on social media and beyond. These videos will also be used in schools and at education events to showcase rail as a vibrant place to work.

“Myself and the group of S3/S4 students that came along to the open day loved every minute of it! The organisation of the day itself was excellent, the staff were brilliant helping guide us through the huge site, the whole event was really well planned.

“Being there gave us all an insight to the huge array of roles within the company. Highlights of the day include seeing the heavy machinery in operation, the drone flying, tunnel cleaner and wood chipper. Seeing the rope team training and of course getting to speak to the staff and them share their expertise and journeys with our pupils was truly inspiring. I certainly had no idea of all the opportunities and job roles at QTS that is just a 20minute drive from our town. Would definitely come again, with even more pupils!”

- Mrs Pirie, St Andrew's and St Bride's High School

By thinking outside of the box and creating an engaging and immersive experience, the young people left the event feeling inspired and that they could possibly be the future of rail.“