University students go full steam ahead with Vintage Trains

Postgraduate students from University College Birmingham are on track to make their mark in industry after successfully pitching new products to a heritage rail tour operator.

Fifteen students on the University's aviation, hospitality and tourism master's courses worked with Vintage Trains during the last semester as part of their International Live Project Management module.

To boost their industry engagement and project management experience, the group were tasked with proposing new or extended products for a new diverse market based on the company's current portfolio, creating concepts ranging from cultural events and culinary experiences to escape room activities and technological enhancements for consumers.

All 15 students were then invited by Vintage Trains on the firm's inaugural rail trip of the summer following the easing of Covid restrictions.

Meeting at Birmingham's Moor Street Station, the group enjoyed a ride on the vintage diesel-hauled Shakespeare Express to Stratford-upon-Avon - complete with refreshments and a box meal - before reaching their destination where they listened to an address from Vintage Trains chairman Michael Whitehouse.

Eleven of the 15 proposals made by the students were accepted by Vintage Trains as potential products for their 2021/22 season, with the students invited to work alongside the company in their development.

Joining the group on the trip were Professor Michelle Callanan and International Live Project Management module leader Helen Joyner-Harris, who congratulated the students on their achievements.

She said: “The student cohort excelled themselves as budding project managers within their diverse proposals.

“What an excellent opportunity both for Vintage Trains to attract master's students' insights and for our students to gain practical industry experience beyond the confines of academic convention while still studying.

“This excellent collaboration has resulted in tangible benefits for Vintage Trains, our client, the student cohort and University College Birmingham. ”

Vintage Trains chairman Michael Whitehouse said: "It's been a fantastic experience to work with Michelle, Helen and all the students - my board has been really impressed with many of the ideas and suggestions we have received for improving our ongoing customer experience.

"We are passionate about preserving railway heritage but we are equally keen to move with the times by providing a high level of service to all our customers."

As an added bonus, five of the group were also awarded free student membership of the Institute of Directors (IoD) for their proposal contributions, sponsored by former IoD director-general Dr John Phillips.