NSARE to take over RTAS

The National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering (NSARE) has been awarded the concession to continue Network Rail’s Rail Training & Assessment Accreditation Scheme (RTAS).

The scheme was previously undertaken by Achilles, who will continue to run the programme until December 31, with no changes. NSARE will commence delivery of the programme from January 1 2012, and during the transition period all organisations will work together to ensure a smooth move, they say.

In a letter to training and assessment providers, Jamie Cowan, Network Rail’s national training manager (evaluation & assurance), said: “Discussions have now concluded and Network Rail is pleased to announce that we have entered into an agreement with the National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering to deliver the scheme from 1st January 2012.”

A series of NSARE shows have been planned to demonstrate the upcoming changes to the process and a different approach to accreditation and assessment. The shows will take place in Doncaster, Manchester, Derby, Watfor, Ilford, Bristol and Larbert, and training providers are invited to attend at their choice of location.

NSARE is a not for profit, private sector company that aims to standardise and manage training programmes for the rail industry.

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