Clair Mowbray, Chief Executive of the National College for High Speed Rail, spoke to Rail Technology Magazine about how the brand-new facility is working to support businesses in upskilling the existing workforce, as well as preparing the UK’s next generation of talented engineers and industry leaders.
The new £40m training facility, which includes two state-of-the-art buildings in Doncaster and Birmingham, is now in the process of building up capacity across both campuses as it prepares to welcome more learners in 2018. There are currently around 80 learners split between Birmingham and Doncaster, and intakes in May and September will boost campus numbers further. When at full capacity in 2022, the college will train 1,200 learners across both sites.
With the backing of the government, as well as strong support from the local authorities and local enterprise partnerships in Yorkshire and the Midlands, the college aims to attract as diverse a group of people as possible into the sector, while seeking to redefine common – and often negative – perceptions of engineering and rail. In addition, more than 30 businesses, which includes HSRIL members, have committed members of staff to share expertise with learners at the college, ensuring it remains true to its original commitment to be both industry-led and industry-focused.
HSRIL is delighted to be continuing to support the college by providing bursaries for three ‘Rail Leader Learners’ to attend the NCHSR and study for the Certificate of Higher Education in High Speed Rail and Infrastructure. See the latest blog from one of the Rail Leader Learners here.