The Railway Engineers’ Forum, whose Executive Committee represent the leading Professional Institutions associated with the UK rail industry, fully support the Government’s Transport Infrastructure Skills Strategy.
Establishing a clear target of 20,000 rail apprenticeships is a useful objective and shows a significant commitment. We are also particularly pleased to see support for creation of strong career pathways for young people and for ongoing skills, which will help to safeguard this investment.
The Government clearly recognises the value that rail investment has in developing a growing economy. Rail has seen unprecedented growth in recent years and this switch to public transportation presents a significant challenge in how to grow capacity on the network without disrupting passengers. This requires engineering and operating skills, the use of modern technology and innovation, as well as a workforce with a commitment to safety and engineering excellence. By supporting an investment in people, the Government has taken a commendable strategic view.
We will work with the delivery infrastructure that the Government is establishing to support this Strategy. We will also continue to offer strong support to ‘Routes Into Rail’, who do an excellent job in communicating the value of rail careers to young people.
It is important that the rail industry has a culture of vocational and professional training at all levels: sponsoring; mentoring; offering qualifications and developing life-long learning tools. The Professional Institutions will continue to play a vital role in all these areas so as to strengthen the UK rail sector and safeguard the investment in people to which the Government is committed.
Railway engineering and operating offer inclusive and rewarding careers. By supporting skills within the industry and by engaging with the Professional Institutions, the Government has shown that it is determined to play an active role in ensuring that our railways are a safe, reliable and efficient mode of transport in the 21st Century.