A training company based in Wolverhampton is increasing its training activities to assist train workers in overcoming a predicted 120,000 shortage in personnel.
National Infrastructure Solutions, launched by former international youth soccer player Royal Marine Commando Davie Carns in 2018, will help thousands of workers in the region train and develop their skills to make the most of a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to benefit this region of the West Midlands.
The firm is working with large industry employers like Rhomberg Sersa and Amey Rail for specific courses in the industry. The leading partner of Wolverhampton City College’s newest train-to-work facility is located at the Wellington Road Campus in Bilston.
The facility is outfitted with equipment for maintenance and installation to help train the courses on high-speed, conventional, and light rail lines.
It’s also the only one in the UK to train slab track systems utilized to construct high-speed rail lines like HS2, which is directly next to an ordinary rail track for training purposes.
This shows NIS and CoWC’s determination to provide both opportunity and choice for the students taking their first steps in the world of rail.
“Our region is a huge job opportunity, with billions of dollars going into infrastructure for rail being planned for or traversing our region,” explained Davie. He began his career in the industry as a trackman. He would often work on weekends and evenings while assisting in the resettlement process after a military.
“Brexit has slowed access to European workers, which means that we’re in a race to train our citizens to be able to work in the industry and, more importantly, and upskill people already working in the sector into more advanced positions to provide sustainable jobs for everyone.”
He added: “What we have been doing for the past two years has been listening to the needs of employers and developing courses on-site as well as virtual classes to give individuals the essential train-related skills as well as qualifications in management and leadership as well as health and safety, and the behavioral aspects of.
“Our collaboration with the City of Wolverhampton College is crucial, and the facilities there are the best within the UK. This provides us with the chance to teach students in a safe and secure environment about the kind of equipment and technologies they’ll work on when they’re on track.”
The demand for NIS services has grown by 300 percent in the past 12 months, and NIS has responded by tripling its full-time employees while hiring local talent appropriate for the city where it is based.
The program has already provided training to 300 people to date, with 70 percent of the participants going on to be employed for a long time.
The courses are offered to those new to the industry and are looking to acquire the knowledge employers seek and for those already working in the railway industry who wish to enhance their skills and further develop their skills.
NIS will also provide free rail-based training classes for those classified as unemployed under the work academy that is sector-specific. The six-week course will allow pre-employment training, work experience, and an appointment with an employer seeking to hire new employees.
“With my work experience is no coincidence that among our biggest desires is to help veterans from the Armed Forces to retrain for careers in rail, and that’s something we’re hoping to develop further as we introduce our ‘Back on Track’ program shortly,” added Davie.
“Our executive management team has decided to give 2.5 percent of our earnings to local charities. We intend to continue to work with amazing organizations like Reach as well as Unite to make sure that every person who is interested in a career in rail can develop the skills they require to get the chance to work in this industry.”