UK Rail Skills Initiative: GCRE & Tata Steel Workers Near Onllwyn

Retraining Initiative Fuels Rail Industry Growth Near Onllwyn

The UK rail sector is poised for a boost with the launch of a new retraining scheme designed to equip former steelworkers with the skills needed for careers in the industry. Developed by the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) and Neath Port Talbot Council, the “Access to Rail Engineering Programme” will see 72 former Tata Steel employees retrained near Onllwyn, Wales. The initiative, starting Monday, July 7th, is funded by the UK Government’s Tata Transition Fund and aims to address a looming skills shortage in the area. The three-week program will cover essential rail industry qualifications, including Personal Track Safety (PTS) and Track Induction Training, culminating in a Level 1 NVQ Certificate in Rail Engineering Track Renewals. This program addresses a critical skills gap while providing former steelworkers a pathway to new employment.

Skills and Training for a Modern Railway

The core of the program lies in providing individuals with the necessary qualifications and practical experience required for various roles within the rail sector. Participants will gain vital skills such as Personal Track Safety (PTS) certification, which is a mandatory requirement for anyone working on or near railway tracks. The Track Induction Training will familiarize participants with railway safety protocols and operational procedures. Further, the program will also include a Level 1 NVQ Certificate in Rail Engineering Track Renewals, demonstrating a foundational understanding of track maintenance techniques, vital for ensuring safe and efficient rail operations. The training program will be delivered by Train’d Up, a recognized training provider, further ensuring the quality of the instruction.

The GCRE: A Hub for Rail Innovation

The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE), backed by both the UK and Welsh Governments, is being developed into a cutting-edge hub for railway research, testing, and innovation. Although the main site construction is ongoing, the retraining program will leverage existing rail infrastructure at the location. The strategic location near Onllwyn offers a purpose-built environment where the training can take place. GCRE will be a major driver of skills and jobs within the rail sector, positioning the region as a leader in future railway development and technology adoption. The centre is expected to be operational by 2025 and will support rail operators, manufacturers and suppliers as they develop and test new products and processes.

Addressing the Skills Gap: A Critical Need

The “Access to Rail Engineering Programme” directly addresses a growing skills shortage in the Port Talbot region. Projections indicate a deficit of 3,400 skilled rail workers within a 90-minute radius of Port Talbot by 2025. This shortage highlights the urgent need for targeted training initiatives like this one. By focusing on individuals with transferable skills from the steel industry and providing industry-recognized qualifications, the program aims to fill critical gaps in the workforce, helping the rail sector to grow and modernize. The program’s aim to secure paid employment for all successful participants through partnerships with leading Welsh rail suppliers is a key factor in this initiative’s success.

Collaboration and Support from Stakeholders

The success of this initiative is underpinned by a strong collaborative effort between several key stakeholders. The UK Government’s funding, provided via the Tata Transition Fund, provides essential financial backing. The involvement of Neath Port Talbot Council, through its Employability team, offers crucial support to individuals impacted by the closure of the Tata Steel plant. Local MP Rt. Hon. Jo Stevens MP, and Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt have both publicly supported the program, and are working to create employment and training opportunities for those affected by the closure of the Tata Steel plant. This collaborative approach underscores a commitment to rebuilding the local economy.

Conclusion

The “Access to Rail Engineering Programme” represents a significant investment in the future of both the rail industry and the local community near Onllwyn. By retraining former Tata Steel workers, the initiative directly addresses a critical skills shortage while providing a much-needed career transition path for those impacted by the plant’s restructuring. The program’s focus on practical training and industry-recognized qualifications, delivered in partnership with GCRE, provides a strong foundation for future employment in the rail sector. The program’s goal to ensure paid employment for all successful participants indicates the value of the programme, and the commitment of partners and the Welsh rail suppliers. This initiative’s success underscores the value of strategic partnerships between government, training providers, and local councils, which is vital to the industry’s future. As the GCRE site matures, it will likely attract further investment and create more jobs and further enhance the industry.

Company Summary:

Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE): GCRE is being developed into a world-class hub for rail research, testing, and innovation. It is backed by both the UK and Welsh Governments. As the main site’s construction progresses, the center will offer a range of services, including track and infrastructure testing, rolling stock testing, and technology innovation. GCRE is designed to be a catalyst for industry growth, attracting investment and creating jobs in the Welsh economy.