Capital City College and Network Rail join forces to tackle rail engineering skills shortage

Capital City College (CCC) and Network Rail have signed a major partnership agreement to launch the Network Rail Academy – a new training and pre-apprenticeship pathway designed to help young people in London, who are looking for training or educational opportunities  to gain the skills and support they need to build successful careers in rail engineering.

The academy will provide industry-specific courses, mentorship, work experience, and engineering, professional and employability skills.

The rail industry is facing a critical skills gap; it is projected that the industry will lose 3,000+ engineers over the next five years, and current talent pipelines are insufficient to bridge this gap. The academy addresses this challenge by providing young people with a gateway into rail careers, feeding into key apprenticeship schemes such as:

• Level 3 Rail Engineering Technician
• Level 3 Rail Infrastructure Operator

In partnership with CCC, the Network Rail Academy is geared towards young people aged 16–19 who are interested in rail or engineering, who may not have any formal qualifications or have not achieved GCSEs grade 4 or above.

With more than 837,000 16-24 year olds in the UK looking for training or education last year,1 there is a real need for educational and career opportunities for young people.

Learners will gain valuable training in engineering, employability skills, mentoring from Network Rail professionals, and the chance to study at a specialist centre in Enfield whilst preparing for a possible career in Rail.

Sharon Wallace, Assistant Principal at Capital City College’s Enfield Centre, said: ‘This partnership is a bold step towards breaking down barriers in education and opening up real career opportunities. By working with Network Rail, we want to re-energise young people who are seeking education, employment or training opportunities. The Network Rail Academy offers a solid start – practical, hands-on learning, professional mentoring and a clear route into a skilled job. It’s about giving young people a reason to believe in their future – and the tools to build it.’

Richard Turner, Head of Apprenticeships, Graduates, and Industry Development, Network Rail, said: ‘The rail industry is a fantastic place to work, and in need of skilled, motivated workers to keep us moving. By working with local colleges, the Network Rail Academy offers real-life, job-ready skills and training that is immediately relevant to not just Network Rail, but many other employers too. This marriage between local education providers and employer-led initiatives is exactly what’s needed to maximise employability and bridge skills gaps.’

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