“Tornado” Steams in to Launch Cornish Engineering Training Appeal
Britain's record-breaking steam locomotive, ‘Tornado’, will be appearing in Cornwall this Sunday (25th May) to help raise the remaining funds required to launch an exciting new engineering training centre in St Blazey.
MPower Cornwall C.I.C. (‘MPower’), an innovative social enterprise dedicated to teaching practical engineering and construction skills, is expected to open its doors in September.
Located at the heart of Cornwall’s rail network, the new training facility is easily accessible via public transport for people from around the Duchy and beyond to learn practical technical skills.
‘Tornado’, pulling the ‘Royal Duchy’ excursion train from Bristol to Par, will visit MPower’s awardwinning railway turntable as part of MPower’s appeal for the final tranche of funding needed to complete the training centre.
The St Blazey turntable is the magnificent centrepiece of the new training facilities, which will offer practical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) education opportunities to people looking to access practical careers in the engineering and construction sectors. MPower expects to focus on children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Restored to working order by MPower in 2023, and opened by probably the world’s most famous locomotive, ‘Flying Scotsman’, the turntable has provided practical learning opportunities for young, inexperienced NEET (‘Not in Employment, Education or Training’) volunteers, working under the supervision of highly experienced volunteer engineering mentors. Grade 2* listed by Historic England, the turntable represents a significant piece of Cornwall’s industrial heritage.
MPower launched their groundbreaking initiative in 2021 with the aim of addressing the chronic technical skills shortage nationally, while empowering local communities and passing on hundreds of years of technical experience. A range of stakeholders have been brought in to help make the project a success, including BAM, one of the Europe’s largest international civil engineering companies.
“The help we have received recently, particularly from BAM, has been invaluable,” says Duncan Mitchell, founder and CEO of MPower. “They have given us significant financial backing, as well donating materials and providing professional support. However, to enable MPower to complete the work and enable young people under the age of 18 to access the site from September, we still require in the region of £75,000, and will be launching our Crowd-Funder in early June to achieve this. The funding will also help with our ambition to provide community access on special occasions in future.”
A Vision for Change
MPower’s mission goes beyond skills training; it seeks to transform lives. Cornwall has a high proportion of young people classified as NEET, and is one of the most economically deprived areas in Europe. MPower will offer individuals an alternative pathway to success, combining technical education with real-world applications.
“There is a pressing need for vocational training in order to address the UK’s technical skills shortage,” says Duncan, himself a highly experienced, time-served engineer. “By introducing people to basic technical concepts and practical learning at an early age, we can spark their passion for engineering and construction, and build a skilled workforce for the future.”
Richard Watts, Director for Rail at BAM, adds; “MPower should act as inspiration to industry of what can be achieved to bring much needed skills and resource into this crucial yet demanding economic sector. Attracting and retaining young and new engineering talent is doubtless going to be an industry imperative and is singularly one of the biggest challenges of the next decade in engineering.”
A Proven Model of Success
MPower’s scheme is already proving successful, with beneficiaries including Austen, a former NEET volunteer trainee, who has been supported onto a Level 2 engineering course at a local college, whilst being provided with practical work experience throughout. Austen completed his course with distinctions and now works full time as a qualified welder while studying for an HND in Engineering.
MPower’s approach includes collaborating with industry leaders such as BAM and training organisations such as Cornwall Marine Academy. Together, they plan to develop a full range of programmes, providing the initial inspiration for participants to consider a career in engineering. By providing incrementally progressive levels of vocational training, they can prepare students for careers in industries demanding highly skilled technical personnel.
Appeal for Support
Although the MPower facilities will be financially self-sustaining once complete, some further capital investment is required, initially to deliver secure fencing and safety upgrades to the site.
MPower is now calling on individuals and potential stakeholders for support. “We are inviting industrial companies, engineers and community members to join us in shaping the future,” says Duncan. “Together, we can empower young people with skills that will benefit them, industry, and society as a whole for generations.”
How to Help
To contribute, visit MPower’s website - www.mpowerkernow.org.uk and donate through its crowdfunding platform, or contact the team for sponsorship opportunities via [email protected] . Your support will help build a brighter future for Cornwall’s young people, its industry, and its industrial heritage.
Operational Note:
60163 “Tornado” will appear at St Blazey’s turntable at around 14:00 on Sunday and remain on site for 1½ hours while the locomotive is turned and prepared for its return to Bristol. This locomotive is a testament to British engineering; having entered service in 2008, it is the first – and so far only – brand new mainline steam locomotive to have been built in the 21st century.
During Tornado’s stay, teas and coffees will be served, with donations on this occasion being collected specifically to raise money for a community defibrillator to be positioned on St Blazey Road. More information about MPower will be available from our stewards who will be on hand to explain the project further.
MPower Cornwall C.I.C. (‘MPower’), an innovative social enterprise dedicated to teaching practical engineering and construction skills, is expected to open its doors in September.
Located at the heart of Cornwall’s rail network, the new training facility is easily accessible via public transport for people from around the Duchy and beyond to learn practical technical skills.
‘Tornado’, pulling the ‘Royal Duchy’ excursion train from Bristol to Par, will visit MPower’s awardwinning railway turntable as part of MPower’s appeal for the final tranche of funding needed to complete the training centre.
The St Blazey turntable is the magnificent centrepiece of the new training facilities, which will offer practical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) education opportunities to people looking to access practical careers in the engineering and construction sectors. MPower expects to focus on children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Restored to working order by MPower in 2023, and opened by probably the world’s most famous locomotive, ‘Flying Scotsman’, the turntable has provided practical learning opportunities for young, inexperienced NEET (‘Not in Employment, Education or Training’) volunteers, working under the supervision of highly experienced volunteer engineering mentors. Grade 2* listed by Historic England, the turntable represents a significant piece of Cornwall’s industrial heritage.
MPower launched their groundbreaking initiative in 2021 with the aim of addressing the chronic technical skills shortage nationally, while empowering local communities and passing on hundreds of years of technical experience. A range of stakeholders have been brought in to help make the project a success, including BAM, one of the Europe’s largest international civil engineering companies.
“The help we have received recently, particularly from BAM, has been invaluable,” says Duncan Mitchell, founder and CEO of MPower. “They have given us significant financial backing, as well donating materials and providing professional support. However, to enable MPower to complete the work and enable young people under the age of 18 to access the site from September, we still require in the region of £75,000, and will be launching our Crowd-Funder in early June to achieve this. The funding will also help with our ambition to provide community access on special occasions in future.”
A Vision for Change
MPower’s mission goes beyond skills training; it seeks to transform lives. Cornwall has a high proportion of young people classified as NEET, and is one of the most economically deprived areas in Europe. MPower will offer individuals an alternative pathway to success, combining technical education with real-world applications.
“There is a pressing need for vocational training in order to address the UK’s technical skills shortage,” says Duncan, himself a highly experienced, time-served engineer. “By introducing people to basic technical concepts and practical learning at an early age, we can spark their passion for engineering and construction, and build a skilled workforce for the future.”
Richard Watts, Director for Rail at BAM, adds; “MPower should act as inspiration to industry of what can be achieved to bring much needed skills and resource into this crucial yet demanding economic sector. Attracting and retaining young and new engineering talent is doubtless going to be an industry imperative and is singularly one of the biggest challenges of the next decade in engineering.”
A Proven Model of Success
MPower’s scheme is already proving successful, with beneficiaries including Austen, a former NEET volunteer trainee, who has been supported onto a Level 2 engineering course at a local college, whilst being provided with practical work experience throughout. Austen completed his course with distinctions and now works full time as a qualified welder while studying for an HND in Engineering.
MPower’s approach includes collaborating with industry leaders such as BAM and training organisations such as Cornwall Marine Academy. Together, they plan to develop a full range of programmes, providing the initial inspiration for participants to consider a career in engineering. By providing incrementally progressive levels of vocational training, they can prepare students for careers in industries demanding highly skilled technical personnel.
Appeal for Support
Although the MPower facilities will be financially self-sustaining once complete, some further capital investment is required, initially to deliver secure fencing and safety upgrades to the site.
MPower is now calling on individuals and potential stakeholders for support. “We are inviting industrial companies, engineers and community members to join us in shaping the future,” says Duncan. “Together, we can empower young people with skills that will benefit them, industry, and society as a whole for generations.”
How to Help
To contribute, visit MPower’s website - www.mpowerkernow.org.uk and donate through its crowdfunding platform, or contact the team for sponsorship opportunities via [email protected] . Your support will help build a brighter future for Cornwall’s young people, its industry, and its industrial heritage.
Operational Note:
60163 “Tornado” will appear at St Blazey’s turntable at around 14:00 on Sunday and remain on site for 1½ hours while the locomotive is turned and prepared for its return to Bristol. This locomotive is a testament to British engineering; having entered service in 2008, it is the first – and so far only – brand new mainline steam locomotive to have been built in the 21st century.
During Tornado’s stay, teas and coffees will be served, with donations on this occasion being collected specifically to raise money for a community defibrillator to be positioned on St Blazey Road. More information about MPower will be available from our stewards who will be on hand to explain the project further.
Tornado running on the Settle and Carlisle Line. Copyright Shep Woolley.
Emma and Kieran receive instruction from Alan on Turntable Maintenance. Copyright MPower Kernow.
Josh, Richie and Jack Painting Turntable Components. Copyright MPower Kernow.
Archie Helping Jon with Groundworks. Copyright MPower Kernow.
If you're visiting St. Blazey on Sunday to see Tornado being turned, please - if you are able to - consider making a donation to support the excellent work being done by MPower.
Times for 'The Royal Duchy' are available in our Railtour Calendar.
Times for 'The Royal Duchy' are available in our Railtour Calendar.
Night Freight
Alan Peters
Whilst at Exeter Riverside yard the GBRf operated weedkilling train is seen with 66747 "Made in Sheffield" top and tail with 66704 on 20/05/25 with 3Q98 to Plymouth and back. Copyright Alan Peters
Colas Rail hired 59003 "Yeoman Highlander" ready to work 6C40 from Westbury to Exeter Riverside and back, the 23:26 in traffic ballast drop between Somerton and Cowley Bridge on 19/05/66, the class 59 usually works the Westbury to Bescot tripper, a welcome change to the West Country but unfortunately under the hours of darkness. Copyright Alan Peters.
Many thanks Alan - an excellent pair of night shots.
Fifty on freight
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
50015 'Valiant' pilots 47097 in the sidings at Stoke Gifford. Undated. Copyright Phil Smith.
Many thanks as ever, Phil.