TfL takes over Crossrail tunnelling academy

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Photo: Crossrail.
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Transport for London (TfL) has agreed to replace Crossrail at the head of the TUCA tunnelling academy in Ilford.

TfL, which has signed a contract with Prospects College of Advanced Technology (PROCAT) to run the facility, said it will use the site to support future tunnelling and infrastructure projects.

TfL plans to train the Elizabeth line maintenance and station staff at the Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy (TUCA). A station environment will be built on site to carry out customer service training.

The academy opened in 2011, specialising in tunnelling training for Crossrail. Since then, more than 15,000 people have come through its doors.

However, with Crossrail nearing completion, TUCA has been searching for a new custodian.

The training centre includes an area for sprayed concrete lining and a mock-up tunnel which is used to practice evacuation procedures.

In an announcement, Mike Brown MVO, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “It is essential we continue to develop the skills this country needs to deliver major infrastructure projects, from Crossrail 2 to HS2.

“The Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy has played a leading role in supporting the skills for the Crossrail project and will leave a lasting legacy with new apprentices learning the vital skills of tunnelling and construction.”