Uniformed Public Services students volunteer at Mizens Miniature Railway

On Thursday 2nd of October, our Uniformed Public Services students traded their college classrooms for shovels and hard hats, dedicating a day to community volunteering at Mizens Miniature Railway in Knaphill. Mizens Railway is a unique, passenger-carrying miniature railway that operates entirely by volunteers and is a cherished community asset that offers recreational and educational experiences for the local community. 

Mizens Railway is currently constructing a third railway line for visitors, the students assisted with several tasks to help construct the new section of track. This work involved digging foundations for gabion baskets that are set to be filled with hard  material, cutting back bushes to clear the track path, breaking down bricks and separating rocks and hardcore materials from large mounds of soil. 

Although the task was physically demanding, their day of volunteering proved to be an invaluable real-world experience, as explained by Charlie Clement, a level 3 Public Services student: “Volunteering at Mizens Railway was a real game-changer. We weren’t just digging foundations; we were actively using the leadership, teamwork, and organisation skills we learn in class. This practical experience gives us solid evidence for our future careers—it shows Public Service employers that we can actually apply ourselves and be effective team members in a demanding environment. It is also hugely rewarding to spend time within the community helping such a great volunteer-led attraction.” 

Students showcased their teamwork and leadership skills throughout the day, working as a cohesive unit towards their shared goal. They co-ordinated their efforts to lift and position materials, delegated tasks and ensured all health and safety protocols were followed. As the day was very physically demanding, the students also showed their resilience and overcame any physical barriers to fulfill their task. 

The team also displayed their organisation skills by planning and managing their resources effectively, ensuring all tools were accounted for and stored appropriately, while ensuring all safety protocols were followed. Effective communication was another key skill, especially when coordinating tasks with Mizen’s staff and engaging with other community members. 

We are very proud of our students’ dedication and effort to this cause, using their commitment and practical skills to help others. They are a shining example of everything it means to work in the Uniformed Protective Services and we look forward to seeing them progress throughout their course.