11.07.16
HSRIL explores how the industry can encourage diversity rail
High Speed Rail Industry Leaders (HSRIL) are today hosting an event which aims to address the longstanding skills shortage facing the rail sector.
The ‘Attracting the brightest and Best’ event, which is being held at Birmingham’s Thinktank Museum, will focus on how high-speed rail can be a catalyst for transforming the skills base for the better.
During the event, attended by RTM, HSRIL is a launching a pledge to fund two higher apprenticeship places specific to the rail industry, targeted at those from low income backgrounds or individuals who may not have previously considered a career in rail.
The initiative has been developed with the support of the National College for High Speed Rail (NCHSR), the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) and Birmingham City Council (BCC).
Ailie MacAdam, director of HSRIL, the conference is about exploring how the industry can attract a new, more diverse generation of people “into this rewarding industry”.
“I am also delighted to take this opportunity to announce HSRIL’s own commitment to tackle this challenge head on through a programme of outreach and events targeted at parents, teachers, schools, colleges and young people, starting with our sponsorship of two student places for higher apprenticeships within the rail industry,” said MacAdam.
Recently construction officially began on the two sites of the NCHSR, and the industry recently celebrated the first Rail Week, which included rail organisations and companies hosting a number of events to encourage more people to seek rail careers.
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