All aboard for a competition your kids will never forget! West Midlands Railway (WMR) – operated by West Midlands Trains (WMT) – has launched its search for four junior conductors, giving mini train enthusiasts the chance to live out their train conducting dreams for the day*.
During October half-term, the four lucky winners will get to work alongside real life conductors on one of WMR’s brand-new trains.
Having officially joined the railway network across the Shrewsbury, Hereford and the newly named Elephant & Bear lines, the new Class 196 trains feature more seats, additional under-seat luggage space, bike storage, and greater accessibility. Following hot on the heels are the new Class 730 trains with the same great benefits which will be arriving on the Walsall-Wolverhampton and Cross City lines soon.
To apply to become a junior conductor, kids (via their parents and guardians) are invited to share a video of up to 30 seconds** on either Facebook, Instagram or TikTok tagging West Midlands Railway*** and using #LittleTrainConductor. Within the video, they’ll need to tell WMR exactly what they love most about trains, where they last went on a train, and why they think they should be a conductor for the day.
Once applications close on Friday 15th September, entries will be reviewed by a panel of expert judges who will choo-choo-choose the winners. The panel will see various members of the WMR team all putting their train hats on to find the UK’s next generation of conductors.
Under the guidance of the WMR team, the four chosen children along with their parents and guardians will get to experience what it’s really like to conduct a train.
From seeing inside the train’s cab and checking tickets, to greeting customers and even making announcements over the public tannoy system, it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for budding train fans. Not to mention they will receive their own whistle, high-viz waistcoat and flags to ensure their journey as a conductor runs smoothly.
Jonny Wiseman, director of customer experience at West Midlands Trains, said: “We often receive heart-warming letters from little ones sharing their passion for the world of trains. And that’s what prompted us to come up with a way of giving aspiring train enthusiasts the chance to live out their dreams and become a conductor for the day.
“The rail industry is a fascinating place to work and, as well as being a lot of fun, initiatives like this are a great way to inspire the future of rail professionals. We can’t wait to view all the entries and to welcome the four lucky winners aboard one of our brand-new trains.”
