This week, C29 students were able to tour the historic Plant Works site in Hexthorpe, Doncaster. Here they took a tour of the Wabtec facility from the HVAC testing shop, to E2 – the erecting shop, which was built in – and home to the legendary Flying Scotsman.

Students were able to take in the history of the location as they were escorted around the 22 acre site seeing where it reached to at the height of production, spanning a staggering 90 acres. The site has been an integral part of our community for more than 170 years employing thousands of local people who worked numerous jobs from labourers to master craftspeople. The plant was also an integral part of the war effort with Doncaster women becoming ‘Munitionettes’, working long hours in dangerous conditions.

With the site relocating towards the end of this year, this is probably the last cohort from XP Trust to visit such an important part of Doncaster’s heritage. With this area of Hexthorpe being home to such historic achievements and listed buildings, it really was a privilege to be welcomed into this local slice of industry!