Rail Training – Investment in Vision

Spring is traditionally a time for re-calibrating careers and professional life.

This spring the rail industry is redoubling its efforts to recruit new people and train them for the challenges that lie ahead. New apprenticeship schemes are attracting record levels of interest.

Young people and professionals from outside the industry recognise that rail is a confident, progressive industry moving forward. They plan to be involved in the building of new railways such as Crossrail, Thameslink and eventually High Speed Two.

Capacity enhancement projects will further fuel the demand for their services. New tram systems, depots and rail links continue an expansion unparalleled for over 100 years. Moreover new rolling stock fleets, locomotives and trams mean more jobs for engineers and designers. The level of interest in railways and political support for them make rail a sure winner as a long term career prospect.

Spring is also a time for established professionals and successful supply companies to expand their skills and the services they offer. Training is the essential element of good business health. It is no longer enough simply to keep up with legislative compliance. The demands of new technologies in rail as in all industries will breed new skills and competencies.

This is the age of the highly skilled task force. Investing in training is no less important than the investment in concrete and steel. For it is the skilled rail staff in our employ who will smelt this raw investment into the visions conjured from 1000 drawing boards this spring.