GCRE’s UK Rail Skills Program: Addressing the Workforce Gap

GCRE Launches Retraining Program to Address Rail Skills Gap, Supporting Tata Steel Transition

In a significant move to address the looming skills shortage in the UK rail industry and support the transition of workers impacted by changes at Tata Steel, the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) is launching the ‘Access to Rail Engineering Programme.’ Funded by the UK Government via the Tata Transition Fund, this initiative, beginning next week (July 7th), will provide retraining for 72 individuals at the GCRE site near Onllwyn, Wales. The program aims to equip participants with the essential skills needed to secure employment within the rail sector, addressing the critical need for skilled workers in areas such as track maintenance and capital projects. The initiative will support six cohorts of twelve trainees over the next six months. The program exemplifies the government’s commitment to driving economic growth in Wales by investing in the future of the railway industry, ensuring a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands and opportunities within it.

Addressing the Skills Shortage: A Critical Need

The impetus for this training initiative stems from a forecasted skills gap within the rail industry. Industry projections estimate a national shortfall of skilled rail workers in 2025. Of specific concern is the area within 90 minutes of the Port Talbot site, where a shortage of 3,400 workers, predominantly in maintenance and capital projects, is predicted. This skills shortage is a significant challenge facing the UK rail sector. GCRE’s program is designed to proactively combat this, offering focused retraining that equips individuals with the relevant qualifications, setting them on the path to employment. The program will provide essential qualifications, including Personal Track Safety (PTS), Track Induction Training, and a Level 1 NVQ Certificate in Rail Engineering Track Renewals, ensuring that candidates are job-ready from day one.

Partnerships for Success: Collaboration Between Government and Industry

The ‘Access to Rail Engineering Programme’ is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders. The UK and Welsh Governments are backing the program. The project is collaborating with leading rail suppliers in Wales, guaranteeing paid employment opportunities for all graduates. The GCRE is working with award-winning provider Train’d Up to deliver the program, using rail track infrastructure at the site to host the training. The program leverages the strengths of all partners: GCRE’s expertise in rail infrastructure, Train’d Up’s training prowess, and the Welsh Government’s financial support to drive forward a thriving rail industry that has good jobs and future opportunities. Rt. Hon. Jo Stevens MP, Secretary of State for Wales, emphasized the initiative’s role in supporting local communities and driving economic growth. Moreover, Cllr Steve Hunt, Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, highlights the council’s commitment to providing people with training for new and quality employment.

GCRE’s Vision: A Hub for Rail Innovation and Prosperity

The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) is being developed as a world-class facility for rail research, testing, and innovation. GCRE’s chief executive, Simon Jones, highlighted the project’s focus on rebuilding local prosperity and creating employment and skills opportunities. GCRE, with the potential to create 1,100 jobs in its first decade and contribute over £1.2 billion in benefits, will use this site to host the training. GCRE is actively encouraging other rail and supply chain employers to get involved in future cohorts of the program, highlighting the project’s impact on regional economic revitalization. Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, emphasized GCRE’s importance as a Program for Government priority for the Welsh Government.

Conclusion

The ‘Access to Rail Engineering Programme’ represents a vital step in addressing the current skills shortage and promoting economic recovery within the rail sector. The collaborative efforts of the UK and Welsh governments, along with industry leaders, highlight a commitment to providing new opportunities within the railway industry. By focusing on providing critical skills and qualifications, the program not only addresses the industry’s immediate needs but also provides a framework for future growth. The success of this initiative has the potential to serve as a model for similar retraining programs across the UK, as GCRE expands its capabilities, fostering innovations in railway technologies. This project underscores the significant role that the rail industry plays in driving economic growth across Wales and in the UK as a whole. Interested employers and individuals from Tata Steel and its supply chain are encouraged to contact the program for more information.