03.09.12
Leicester and York rail training academies opened
New training academies are opening in Leicester and York, offering over 100 apprentices the opportunity to receive specialist training in rail engineering and signalling.
Vital Skills Training is launching the centres in partnership with the Great Central Railway (CGR), Leicester City Council and York College.
The Leicester academy will offer courses in rail, power and energy, with facilities for up to 32 apprentices.
The Yorkshire Rail Academy will have a specialist signalling division and caters for 100 apprentices over the next six months.
Bill Ford, managing director at the GCR in Leicester, said: “Working in partnership with Leicester City Council and now with Vital, GCR is committed to helping young people to gain skills and employment in the rail sector and this academy will go a long way to helping us achieve this goal.”
And Louise Lawrence-Crockford, assistant principal for employer engagement at York College, expressed her delight to be launching the new academy.
Lawrence Dobie, education and training director at Vital Skills Training, said: “Over the next few years there will be high levels of investment in the UK’s rail industry, which will create a need for skilled workforces in these areas, so we’re acting now in a bid to get ahead of the curve.
“By providing and generating opportunities for young people, we can help them to broaden their horizons and develop the skills they need to make the most out of what can be a long and rewarding career.”
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