SER’s Connect 38: UK Rail Workforce Skills & Inclusion Hub

South Eastern Railway Unveils Major Skills Hub, Paving the Way for a Skilled and Inclusive Rail Workforce

South Eastern Railway (SER), a publicly-owned train operator, has launched a groundbreaking careers and skills hub, Connect 38, in Ashford, Kent, on July 11th. The facility, officially opened by Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy, represents a significant investment in the future of the rail industry. Located conveniently near Ashford International railway station, Connect 38 consolidates recruitment, professional development, and digital learning under one roof. This initiative addresses the surging demand for rail careers, sparked by over 30,000 job applications in the last year, more than double the previous year’s figure. Why? To cultivate a modern, inclusive, and highly skilled workforce, supporting long-term sector resilience and social mobility. Connect 38 aims to facilitate this by doubling SER’s recruitment and training capacity and offering diverse career pathways for individuals from all backgrounds, including school leavers, career changers, and veterans. The hub’s launch coincides with SER’s rise to 24th in the Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, a testament to its dedication to workforce development. This article examines the strategic importance of Connect 38 and its implications for the wider railway industry.

Meeting the Demand: Recruitment and Training Expansion

Connect 38 is designed to meet the escalating demand for skilled rail professionals. The facility’s core function is to more than double SER’s current recruitment and training capacity. This expansion is crucial given the significant increase in job applications, indicative of a growing interest in rail careers. The hub aims to offer a range of tailored career pathways, specifically catering to various demographics. This strategy underscores SER’s commitment to attracting a diverse talent pool and fostering inclusivity within the rail sector. The expansion strategy encompasses various areas of rail operations, with a focus on roles like train driving, engineering, customer service, and digital skills. This broad approach ensures that a wide range of skills are fostered, supporting the overall operational efficiency and customer experience on SER services. Connect 38 is equipped to accommodate the increasing influx of aspiring rail workers, providing them with the necessary resources and guidance to embark on successful careers.

A Hub for Apprenticeships and Digital Learning

A central focus of Connect 38 is its commitment to apprenticeships. The hub will directly support hundreds of apprenticeships, fostering expertise in critical roles across the railway network. This investment in apprenticeships aligns with the broader industry goal of securing a skilled workforce for the future, ensuring continuity and innovation within rail operations. A key feature of the hub is its dedicated digital media suite. This suite allows SER employees to create professional video content for learning purposes and internal communications. The provision of such a facility emphasizes the importance of digital skills in modern rail operations, as video content can enhance training effectiveness and facilitate knowledge transfer. This investment in digital learning tools reflects the evolving landscape of education and development, and further demonstrates SER’s forward-thinking approach to workforce development.

Government and Industry Support

Connect 38 has garnered considerable support from both the government and industry stakeholders. Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy emphasized the hub’s alignment with governmental objectives, particularly the aim of expanding skills and creating economic opportunities. The Minister lauded SER’s commitment to providing accessible training and career pathways. Neil Robertson, Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR), welcomed the initiative, noting SER’s consistent dedication to training and apprenticeships. NSAR anticipates the hub’s contribution to both skills development and social value, highlighting the broader positive impact of such investments. The hub’s design ensures it supports SER’s continued investment in its own people, whether they are new joiners, individuals retraining, or staff looking to progress. This strong backing suggests a positive outlook for the hub’s success and impact, further reinforcing SER’s commitment to the community.

Celebrating Industry Pioneers and a Unified Approach

Connect 38 not only focuses on technical training but also recognizes and celebrates the contributions of historic figures in the industry. Rooms within the hub have been named in honor of influential individuals such as Barbara Ann Denny, the first female train driver, and Asquith Xavier, who broke down racial barriers in British transport. This approach recognizes the vital role of heritage and diversity within the rail sector, demonstrating SER’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. This integrated approach allows for the efficient management of the railway, with the unified goal of increasing customer satisfaction and improving service delivery. The hub is part of the integrated railway structure which brings together Southeastern and Network Rail Kent Route under one leadership team, streamlining operations.

Conclusion

The opening of Connect 38 represents a pivotal moment for South Eastern Railway and the broader UK rail industry. By investing in a dedicated skills hub, SER is not only addressing the burgeoning demand for skilled workers but also fostering a more inclusive and dynamic work environment. This initiative is a testament to the publicly-owned operator’s commitment to long-term sector resilience, social mobility, and workforce development. The hub’s focus on apprenticeships, digital learning, and diverse career pathways, coupled with support from government and industry stakeholders, underscores its potential to transform the rail sector. Furthermore, the decision to celebrate past railway pioneers signifies a broader commitment to heritage and inclusion, creating a workplace that values its past while embracing the future. The success of Connect 38 can be a catalyst for similar investment in other rail operations throughout the country, particularly with the new integrated structure, contributing to the government’s ‘Plan for Change’ and shaping a modern and sustainable railway system.