UK: A rail training centre has been opened at City of Wolverhampton College’s Wellington Road campus in Bilston, with 40 m of track where students can get hands-on training in the skills needed to build and maintain rail and tram lines, including the slab track used on high speed lines.
The centre will deliver training programmes from beginner to advanced level in partnership with National Infrastructure Solutions.
Courses are available for newcomers to the sector, as well as those already working in the industry who want to upskill and develop their knowledge further.
The centre will also run free rail training courses for people who are registered as unemployed through a sector-based work academy programme, with a six-week scheme offering pre-employment training, on-site work experience and a guaranteed job interview with an industry employer looking to recruit new staff.
The training centre has been developed in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, which is providing £750 000 to train 300 students in rail installation and maintenance over the next 12 months, and with industry partners ISS Labour, Rhomberg Sersa and equipment supplier Sunbelt Rentals. Personal protective equipment for the students was donated by Safeaid.
In the medium term, the facility is to be expanded through the installation of overhead electrification equipment, with training to be offered by Amey Rail.
