Developing essential skills for future rail employees
Although there are many outreach programmes in rail, their focus, content, and structure vary a great deal. This reduces their impact.
Some outreach is driven by the need for a future talent pipeline. Others are part of a responsible business agenda or a contractual commitment.
Some programmes raise awareness of employment opportunities. Others provide work experience or promote skills necessary for a career in rail.
Feedback from industry partners in the Social Sustainability Working Group (SSWG) showed a need for more consistency in this area.
SSWG reviewed best practice programmes and support functions in this area. An ‘essential skills’ hub for the rail industry was created using the Skills Builder Universal Skills Framework.
The review process included feedback from rail partners. The review found the Skills Builder Universal Skills Framework (Skills Builder) had the most impact. Skills Builder are recognised as a leader in the education sector.
The team used Skills Builder to create an ‘essential skills’ hub. This helps rail maximise the impact of its educational outreach. This gives rail companies a supported platform for the creation of new programmes.
So far, Freightliner, Arriva Rail London, Northern, VolkerRail, and Alstom have used it and others are expected to follow.
The pilot programme has led to several benefits, including self-led materials used by five partner organisations. New one-day or multi-session programmes are now being created.
The benefits include:
- Five partner organisations are using the self-led materials in ways that meet their needs.
- Several one-day or multi-session interventions are being planned. These will boost awareness of the range of railway jobs and the skills they need.
- Some rail organisations are improving policies, recruitment, or internal support as a first step before developing new programmes.
The number of outreach programmes will increase in 2024/25.