Birmingham, Derby, Doncaster and Manchester have been shortlisted as possible locations for a new high-speed rail engineering college in the UK.
Cities and towns around the country had bid to become the home of the National College for High Speed Rail, which will train the next generation of rail engineers.
The shortlisted locations were chosen because of the size and availability of a suitable site, accessibility, and the potential to develop strong links with rail employers and providers.
Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock said: “I was extremely encouraged by the level of interest that has been shown by areas across the country in being part of meeting the high speed rail skills challenge.
“We received a number of very strong proposals, and not all can be taken forward to the final stage. However, it is clear that there is already some excellent partnership activity taking place between education providers and the rail industry across the country which is resulting in the delivery of some outstanding provision.”
Crossrail chairman Terry Morgan, who has been brought in as an advisor, said: “Engineering skills are vital to the rail industry, and I am hugely excited to be given the opportunity to help shape the design and development of the new college.
“We need to ensure that the college can deliver the top class training and qualifications needed, both for high speed rail and other future infrastructure projects across the country.
“I came from a vocational background, and I think the high speed rail college is a fantastic opportunity to inspire a new generation of motivated young people to follow this pathway.”
