Laying tracks for the next generation: a volunteer’s experience

Libby Pollard, Sustainable Rail Specialist at the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), has become a keen programme volunteer, helping to build a fairer future and unlock opportunities for young people. Her day job involves environmental sustainability and social value, and hearing about the lightbulb moments that young people on our rail programmes experience made her eager to get involved.

Arriving on the day, Libby immediately felt supported by teaching staff and any nerves were calmed as expectations about her role were clearly outlined by The Talent Foundry facilitator. Throughout the session, she acted as an extra pair of hands and talked to young people about her career experiences and skillset. Her sustainability expertise proved popular, with students asking many questions.

During a practical station design activity, Libby was on hand to help develop students’ ideas and evaluate sustainability features. She helped them solve problems and think about the bigger picture.

Students naturally want to create the most fun thing ever, but it was about trying to get them to thing about potential issues – and solutions.

A highlight for Libby was connecting with a student who shared that she had a sibling with additional needs. The student was initially hesitant to participate in the task, but a little support and encouragement allowed her to come out of her shell.

She shared her train design, saying how it had different features and sensory rooms for autistic children. She explained that her sister doesn’t get the train at the moment because it’s overwhelming.

Being able to connect with the students was eye opening for Libby, who came to understand how the pressure faced by many young people is in fact shaping them into outstanding members of society – brimming with compassion and empathy.

Libby noticed a change in some students who were initially disengaged but were working hard by the end of the session. Her support was able help spark intrigue and curiosity.

A lot of the time, students didn’t want to do things because it didn’t seem cool, but as soon as I helped them to come up with their own ideas, they were very supportive of each other – it was nice to see that kind of overall engagement.

Libby offered careers advice and helped dispel myths about the rail industry, broadening horizons by discussing not just obvious roles like being a train driver or dispatcher but talking about wider operations and how things actually run. She shone a light on the opportunities available and the many pathways to get there.

Libby felt the experience developed her cross-generational communication skills and affirmed her belief that young people are the future of the rail industry – and that volunteers like her can help pave the way for the next generation.

I genuinely believe that there will be someone in that group who will go on to work within rail.

Volunteering gives rail employees the chance to make a tangible impact, allowing a rejuvenated return to daily tasks. Libby enjoyed her experience and thoroughly recommends taking the leap.

Definitely give it a go. It could be a pivotal moment for both you and the young people you are supporting. Making sure these students have as much knowledge as physically possible and have all the doors open is important for all our futures.

The social value behind volunteering is undeniable, but it’s about more than just that – the future impact from even one day of volunteering, on both young people and on personal and professional development, is profound.

Interested in volunteering on our rail programmes? Get in touch: rail@talentfoundry.org.uk