West Yorkshire Mayor and
Ahead Partnership to showcase
youth vision for mass transit at UKREiiF

Mott MacDonald, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and West Yorkshire Mayor, in conjunction with leading ESG partner, Ahead Partnership, have launched a project to engage 110 year 12 students around the vision for mass transit across West Yorkshire.

To date, a school from each area of West Yorkshire has taken part in the youth voice project, which sought their viewpoints on public transport systems within urban areas, as well as profiling the wide range of career opportunities linked to infrastructure and transport that are available to them.

Students from Brigshaw High School, Beckfoot School, Shelley College, Brighouse High School and Leeds City College took part in this interactive project, which has been adapted to be as inclusive as possible, providing maximum opportunity to the region’s young people and prompting consideration on key issues such as how impacted mobility can affect access to public transport.

Two students from each school who went above and beyond in their presentations will represent their school and peers  at the upcoming UKREiiF conference taking place in Leeds from 21 – 23 May,  during an exclusive panel co-hosted by Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire.

Having developed their public speaking and confidence skills during the initial project, the students will contribute to the discussion, sharing the views of their peers and will later have the opportunity to network with a range of built environment and infrastructure professionals gaining first-hand insight into this industry-leading event.

Sponsored by WYCA and Mott MacDonald, the project has enabled young people to engage directly with leading industry employers on the opportunities that mass transit will bring, developing their leadership and communication skills, as well as learning more about the positive impact that improved public transport will have on themselves and their communities.

Stephanie Burras CBE, Chief Executive at Ahead Partnership, said: “The vision for mass transit is set to bring profound benefits to many across the region and beyond, but in order for it to be truly inclusive and accessible, it’s important that we seek the views of all who are set to benefit, including young people. We’ve been so impressed by the insights and suggestions of all the young people who have been involved, and are proud to welcome them to one of the industry’s most prestigious conferences to share their views with key stakeholders and sector leaders.

“Thank you to each of our partners for realising this opportunity to engage young people in exciting developments within their region, enhancing their skills and confidence, and opening their eyes to the multitude of career opportunities that projects such as mass transit can offer them.”

Lisa Littlefair, Leeds City Lead at Mott MacDonald said: “From community engagement and transport planning, to sustainability and engineering, the vision for mass transit will require skills and expertise across a number of disciplines to create a public transport system that is accessible, sustainable and inclusive.

“That is why we are proud to be supporting young people explore future career opportunities that will help drive the growth and prosperity of the region. The creativity from the students has been incredible and it demonstrates the strength of skill and talent we have on our doorstep.”

The mass transit youth consultation panel will be held at the WYCA Pavilion at UKREiiF on Thursday 23 May at 11am. All UKREiiF ticket holders are encouraged to attend.

To find out more about Ahead Partnership, visit: www.aheadpartnership.org.uk.