GCRE Wales Rail Skills: Retraining, Jobs, & Sustainable Future

GCRE Launches Rail Skills Program to Support Tata Steel Workers

In a significant move to support the Welsh workforce and bolster the rail industry, the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE), in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council, has launched a new skills program designed to retrain 72 individuals affected by job losses at Tata Steel. This initiative, funded by the UK Government’s Tata Transition Fund, will equip participants with essential qualifications for employment in the rail sector. The program, commencing on Monday, July 7th, at the GCRE site near Onllwyn, aims to address the impending skills gap and provide a pathway to new careers for those impacted by the steel industry changes. This article explores the details of the initiative, its objectives, and its broader implications for the future of rail engineering in Wales.

Addressing the Skills Gap: The Access to Rail Engineering Programme

The “Access to Rail Engineering Programme” is a direct response to the anticipated shortage of skilled rail workers within the South Wales region. With an estimated shortfall of 3,400 skilled workers expected within a 90-minute radius of Port Talbot by 2025, particularly in maintenance and capital projects, this program is crucial. The three-week course, delivered by award-winning training provider Train’d Up, will be completed by six cohorts of 12 participants over the next six months. Participants will receive training and certification in core competencies such as Personal Track Safety (PTS), Track Induction Training, and a Level 1 NVQ Certificate in Rail Engineering Track Renewals, providing them with immediate employability. GCRE is actively collaborating with leading rail suppliers in Wales to facilitate paid employment opportunities for successful graduates.

The GCRE Hub: A Catalyst for Rail Innovation and Job Creation

The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) is being developed as a world-class hub for rail innovation, testing, and research. Backed by both the UK and Welsh Governments, the site will offer a unique environment for the development and validation of railway technologies. While the full site construction is ongoing, the training program will utilize existing rail infrastructure already developed at the Onllwyn location. The establishment of GCRE is expected to create 1,100 jobs in its first decade, delivering over £1.2 billion in long-term economic benefits. The program also encourages further involvement from rail and supply chain employers, creating a pipeline of skilled workers and opportunities for the industry.

Funding and Support: Driving Transition and Employment

The project is financially supported by the UK Government’s Tata Transition Fund, which provides targeted aid to those affected by job losses at Tata Steel. The initiative is further backed by the Welsh Government and Neath Port Talbot Council, demonstrating a strong commitment to investing in the local community and fostering economic resilience. Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, Secretary of State for Wales, highlighted the program’s impact, stating that it exemplifies how funds from the Port Talbot/Tata Steel Transition Board support the local community. The Employment and Skills Fund contributes to retraining and re-entry to employment initiatives, providing individuals with pathways into new careers and helping to address local employment needs.

A Sustainable Future: Net-Zero Operations and Economic Benefits

GCRE is planned to be the UK’s first net-zero railway, underlining its commitment to environmental sustainability. Independent analysis predicts that every £1 invested in GCRE will generate £15 in wider economic benefits, contributing £300 million in GVA uplift over the next ten years. The initiative is developed on the former Nant Helen opencast and Onllwyn Washery site in South Wales. The training program, therefore, not only supports job creation and skills development but also supports environmental sustainability. Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, emphasized the program’s significance, stating that the project is a positive step towards creating a new skilled workforce.

Conclusion

The GCRE’s Access to Rail Engineering Programme represents a proactive and strategic response to both the immediate needs of displaced workers and the long-term challenges of the rail industry. By providing comprehensive training in essential skills, the program offers a viable pathway to new employment for individuals impacted by Tata Steel job losses. This initiative highlights the potential of strategic partnerships and government support in driving economic diversification and preparing the workforce for emerging opportunities. The success of this program underscores the importance of investing in skills development, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, and embracing sustainability. As the rail sector in Wales expands, such programs will continue to be essential in building a skilled and resilient workforce, driving economic growth, and supporting long-term sustainability. The early involvement of employers and the focus on real-world qualifications suggest a strong likelihood of successful outcomes for the participants. The GCRE initiative serves as a practical model of how to address significant industrial changes, supporting communities to thrive.