Uxbridge College students were selected to take part in a special project working with Transport for London (TfL), sponsored by Siemens and Morson Group, and organised by Entrepreneurs in Action.The Classroom to Boardroom project gave the students one week to develop innovative ways to keep drivers updated about traffic conditions.The group of business and engineering students produced innovative solutions to
Uxbridge College students were selected to take part in a special project working with Transport for London (TfL), sponsored by Siemens and Morson Group, and organised by Entrepreneurs in Action.
The Classroom to Boardroom project gave the students one week to develop innovative ways to keep drivers updated about traffic conditions.
The group of business and engineering students produced innovative solutions to improving communication with motorists.
Their brief challenged them to make new uses of the distinctive illuminated roadside boards which display traffic updates, the ‘variable message signs’ (VMS). They also looked at other ways to keep drivers informed in a financially sustainable and safe way.
Their ideas included VMS advertising, displaying traffic information on electronic signs in bus back windows, and developing a dedicated mobile app for London drivers to use before setting off on their journeys.
They spent a week developing and costing their ideas as part of TfL’s Classroom to Boardroom initiative, with the support of the business coaches from Entrepreneurs in Action. They then presented their completed proposals to a panel of representatives from TfL, Siemens and Morson Group.
Lorraine Collins, Executive Director – Enterprise and Development, at Uxbridge College, said: “This work with TfL, Siemens and the Morson Group builds on Uxbridge College’s excellent links with business and really has given our students a unique opportunity.
“Coming up with ideas which not only benefit members of the public but are practical and sustainable in business terms is a big challenge for anyone, but our students have done some excellent work.
“Working with a real business brief and presenting to a professional panel has helped the participants continue to develop the sort of skills they need to thrive and compete in the real world.”
Tricia Riley, Human Resources Director at Transport for London said: “We were pleased that Uxbridge College students took part in our Classroom to Boardroom challenge and were impressed with proposals they came up with. The students delivered practical and economical ideas at the end of the week which was fantastic.”