Network Rail has officially launched a new learning academy in partnership with Capital City College in Enfield, aiming to equip young individuals with essential skills and pathways into the thriving rail industry.
The Network Rail Academy will offer a pre-apprenticeship programme specifically designed for 16 to 19-year-olds who are currently seeking work or training opportunities. This initiative is set to provide young people with the foundational skills needed to kickstart a career in rail.
The railway sector is a significant contributor to the UK job market and plays a vital role in skills development. The industry directly employs over 100,000 individuals across various roles and generated an impressive £26 billion in economic, environmental, and social benefits for the country over the past year.
The newly established learning academy will provide young people with the foundational skills necessary to enter the workforce, creating a direct gateway into rail careers. It will also feed into key apprenticeship schemes, including:
- Level 3 – Rail engineering technician
- Level 3 – Rail infrastructure operator
This initiative not only aims to equip young people with essential skills and meaningful career opportunities but also plays a crucial role in sustaining and strengthening the future of the rail industry as a whole.
Richard Turner, Head of Apprenticeships, Graduates, and Industry Development at Network Rail, commented: “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.”
He added: “Collaboration between local education providers and employer-led initiatives is exactly what’s needed to maximise employability.”
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.”
Ms Wallace continued: “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.”
Learners enrolling in the programme will work towards a Level 1, 2, or 3 engineering qualification, enriched with valuable real-world industry experience. They will also receive mentoring from experienced Network Rail colleagues, alongside training in essential skills such as interview techniques, communication, and professional development.
Participants will benefit from opportunities to:
- Visit key rail locations to gain first-hand insight into their operations.
- Engage with leading suppliers within the industry who offer incredible career prospects.
- Explore diverse pathways within the broader rail industry, including roles beyond Network Rail itself.
To find out more and apply for the programme, interested individuals can visit https://www.capitalccg.ac.uk/network-rail.
