As a part of his studies in horticulture, Derwen College Walford student, Harry, has been attending a work experience placement at Oswestry Cambrian Heritage Railways.
Initially, Harry, who is autistic, found the transition to a new routine and environment challenging. When Harry started working on the railway, he struggled to traverse uneven ground without significant physical and emotional support.
Harry gets the chance to use the intercom as the train’s assistant guard
Love of locomotives
Harry’s low confidence levels affected his ability to walk through the trainyard and across the tracks, as well as to initiate and maintain social relationships with coworkers and volunteers.
After 18 months of incredibly hard work, Harry is now flourishing. Now, Harry’s confidence is so high that he can walk unassisted on every kind of terrain, and even through the city, which he previously found intimidating.
For Harry, working in such a supportive environment has unlocked a world of new experiences, including using the intercom as the train’s assistant guard. Harry has always loved locomotives, and he is now looking for an opportunity to work at a railway post-college.
Staff at Cambrian Heritage Railways with volunteers from Derwen College and their supervisor, Ruth Braddick
‘Invaluable’ help from Derwen students
Harry is also a member of college’s elite weed-fighting task force, Leaf It to Us. Leaf It to Us gives horticulture students the opportunity to work as a team in the local community to hone their gardening skills and expertise.
Phil Liddell, volunteer coordinator at Cambrian Heritage Railways, says: “The work undertaken by the students from Derwen Walford has proved invaluable to Cambrian Heritage Railways. Under the very able supervision of Ruth Braddick, they have taken on vegetation clearance on untold miles of trackside between Oswestry and Weston Wharf, and also at our dormant assets.”
He added: “All in all, Derwen Walford students and staff have become an integral part of Cambrian Heritage Railways. Their enthusiasm and good nature are appreciated by fellow volunteers and the Railway hierarchy alike.”
Please contact us
In addition to Walford, we also have campuses in Gobowen and Telford. If you, or a young person you know, might benefit from an experience like Harry’s, contact our friendly admissions team at admissions@derwen.ac.uk, or visit our website www.derwen.ac.uk
