Women in Rail East Midlands Region

Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day:

Etches Park Depot Tour

To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, East Midlands Railway (EMR) will be opening the doors to its Etches Park Depot in Derby for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour in partnership with Women in Rail – East Midlands.

Taking place on Tuesday 23 June 2026 from 15:00 – approximately 17:00, this special ticketed event will give 15 visitors the opportunity to explore the depot, discover the improvements made to the site, and gain a rare insight into the maintenance and operation of EMR’s new Class 810 Aurora fleet.

This exclusive depot tour also offers the opportunity to hear directly from the women at the forefront of rail engineering, sharing their experiences and the important role they play in shaping the future of the railway.

Throughout the visit, female engineers and fleet specialists from both EMR and Hitachi Rail will deliver talks at key points around the depot, offering a unique insight into the new Class 810 Aurora trains – from their design and engineering through to their operation and maintenance.

This event offers a unique chance to celebrate women in engineering, connect with others across the industry, and experience first-hand the innovation driving the future of rail in the East Midlands.

Important Information:

Spaces are limited. Please complete the registration form through the link below by the Wednesday 10th June 2026. The WR East Midlands team will contact you directly if you have been successful in securing a place on this tour. Confirmed guests will be contacted w/c Monday 15 June 2026 with further details and joining instructions.

Register Your Interest: WR East Midlands Visit to Etches Park Depot – Fill out form

PPE is mandatory for this visit. All attendees must be equipped with the following to attend the tour:

  • Orange hi-vis vest (can be provided by EMR)
  • Bump cap
  • Safety glasses
  • Safety boots or shoes

 

Agenda

  • 14:45
    All guests to meet at EMR Locomotive House (Locomotive Way, Pride Park, Derby) for a short safety brief.
  • 15:10
    Walk to Etches Park South for introductions, welcome and short presentation.
  • 15:20
    Commencement of the Etches Park Depot tour.
  • 17:00
    All guest will be chaperoned back to EMR Locomotive House to sign out.