The Rail Skills Academy, which is being delivered by QTS Training on behalf on Network Rail, is funded through South Lanarkshire Council. It forms part of the legacy programme for the East Kilbride Enhancement Project.

The young people started their first week with the opportunity to meet some of the contractors on the programme that they will be working for, as well as some local MSPs with an interest in the project.

Gillian McKay, Green MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, Conservative MSP for Central Scotland and Colette Stevenson SNP MSP for East Kilbride, all attended a special event which focused around updates to the East Kilbride Enhancement Project and an introduction to the trainees as part of the Rail Skills Academy.

Based at the East Kilbride Enhancement project site, the course will equip participants with the competencies, skills and experience required to thrive in the railway maintenance sector. From employability and core skills, to health and safety, track safety and track induction, as well as the SQA Level 4 Practical Skills for Employment qualification, young people who complete the academy will be on track to start their new career.

Director of QTS Training, Lorna Gibson said: “The opportunity that these young people have been given through this project really has the potential to be life changing. The interest in this Academy was really high and we had some fantastic candidates who applied, but the 12 trainees we have here today were a real stand out.

“It’s going to be an exciting 10 weeks for this cohort and we really appreciate the members of parliament for coming along today and taking the time to meet them as they begin their journey into their new careers. It is terrific for to have this support early on in their first week to showcase the importance of this project and their impact in the rail industry moving forward.”

Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director, Network Rail Scotland, said: “We’re excited to welcome the first cohort of trainees to the East Kilbride Enhancement office for the initial part of their 10-week placement.

“It has been a great experience for them to meet local politicians from along the East Kilbride route, while they were updated on the electrification project and the benefits it’ll bring to their constituents.

“Our thanks go to those elected members for joining us today to meet the trainees and wish them success as they start out in their careers within the rail industry.”

The Rail Skills Academy is aimed at young people currently out of employment and will help to combat the skills shortage and lack of diversity in the rail industry. With over 48% of railway workers aged 50 or over and women making up just 16% of the current workforce, action is being taken to create a knowledgeable, diverse and qualified workforce for the future.

Each academy session will run for 10 weeks, with transportation provided to and from the site for participants.

As a proud supporter of young people, and an Investors in Young People Platinum Award employer, QTS aims to help them discover the wide range of possibilities that the railway sector has to offer.