QTS and South Lanarkshire Council Launch New Rail Skills Academy for Young People

QTS, in collaboration with South Lanarkshire Council and supported by Network Rail, has launched the region's first Rail Skills Academy, offering young people aged 18 to 24 a unique opportunity to enter the rail industry. This initiative, part of the legacy programme for the East Kilbride Enhancement Project, aims to address the skills shortage and lack of diversity within the rail sector.

_{A Focus on Youth and Diversity}

The Rail Skills Academy is designed to support young people in South Lanarkshire who are currently unemployed, providing them with the skills and qualifications needed to begin a career in railway maintenance. The programme is especially important as the rail industry faces a growing need for younger and more diverse talent. With nearly half of all railway workers aged 50 or older and women representing just 16% of the workforce, the academy seeks to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for the sector.

_{Key Features of the Rail Skills Academy}

• Comprehensive Training: Participants will receive training in employability and core skills, as well as essential railway-specific qualifications, including health and safety, track safety, and track induction.
• SQA Level 4 Qualification: Graduates of the programme will earn the SQA Level 4 Practical Skills for Employment qualification, which will help them launch their careers in the railway industry.
• Hands-On Experience: Based at the East Kilbride Enhancement Project site, students will gain practical experience in railway maintenance, preparing them for the challenges and demands of the job.

_{Building the Workforce of the Future}

This initiative is a significant step towards addressing the skills gap in the railway industry, while also promoting diversity and inclusion. By equipping young people with the knowledge, qualifications, and experience they need, the academy is helping to build a more skilled and diverse workforce for the future.

For those who complete the programme, the Rail Skills Academy provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in the rail industry. With hands-on training, industry-recognised qualifications, and the support of key partners like Network Rail, graduates will be well-prepared to step into the workforce and contribute to the future of rail maintenance.