For some time, the "Wëssens-Atelier" non-profit association has set itself the task of inspiring 10 to 12 year-olds in the domain of technology; in order to enable young people to get involved with technical professions early on, the association is continually searching for suitable partners.
Technology: an important supporting pillar of modern railway companies
The fact that more than 20 million people are transported by the Luxembourg railways (CFL) across Grand Duchy every year makes it easy to see that technology is one of the things that CFL cannot do without - whether it be to regulate the tight train traffic, to drive the powerful locomotives and electric carriages, or in many other areas.
Mission: generate enthusiasm
The CFL did not miss the opportunity to present some of the technical and most popular occupations of their company to a number of children who visited the Luxembourg railways recently under the guise of the association. With the help of the signal simulator, an exact replica of the work domain of the railway controllers, the curious students got a feeling for the volume and scope of technology that is necessary to ensure the safety in rail traffic, both passenger transportation and freight too. The various elements such as railways, switches, signals, safety systems and their functioning were explained using a model railway that had been carefully assembled to detail.
Train driver for a day
With the driving simulator, used during the training of future train drivers, the children were offered a further highlight. Each child had the unique opportunity to “take the wheel" of a 3000 series locomotive and to listen to the explanation of the functions of its many levers and lights.
Conclusion
After the successful discovery trip, it was not only the children who were completely enthusiastic about their experience; the CFL employees also visibly enjoyed the fun of being able to inspire children in technology and its impact on their own profession.
