Rail professionals from the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) have reaffirmed their commitment to developing the workforce in celebration of this year’s national careers week.
TRU’s sustainability strategy dictates that the project must create 4,000 new roles and safeguard a further 4,000 during the route’s construction.
This is backed up by another pledge that 20% of the 4,000 protected jobs will be for those from underrepresented groups, helping the TRU to mould a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which it works.
The strategy, Our Guiding Compass, also indicates the TRU wants to ensure that 60% of its workforce are employed within 25 miles of the route, and 80% within 40 miles.
The TRU attended the Kirklees College Skills and Apprenticeships Fair in Dewsbury, reinstating its intention to harness local talent. Mark Eastwood, the MP for Dewsbury, helped organise the event.
“I’m delighted that TRU were in attendance at my Skills and Apprenticeships Fair last week,” said Eastwood. “The TRU will create jobs and employment for thousands of people, many potentially coming from my constituency.”
Another goal for the TRU is to hire 590 apprentices – more than 260 have already been taken on, according to Network Rail.
Social value coordinator for the TRU, Karl Wilson, explained: “Our social value team visits local schools, colleges and universities to promote apprenticeships. Part of our job is to offer work experience to students and talk about the wide range of jobs available on a project such as the TRU.”
Network Rail hails the TRU social value team and its contribution to the goal of delivering more than 30,000 placement days to help new people into the industry, pre-employment, transitioning, and upskilling – of which 20% will be from underrepresented groups.
Image credit: Network Rail
