The Rail Skills Academy, which is being delivered by QTS Training on behalf on Network Rail, is funded through South Lanarkshire Council. The programme launched in July 2024 and was delivered over a 10-week period via both classroom and on track work experience.

The successful graduates were presented with their certificates at a special event hosted at East Kilbride Football Club, with cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop in attendance.

Based at the East Kilbride Enhancement project site, the Academy formed part of the legacy programme for the East Kilbride Enhancement Project.

Throughout the period of the course, the graduates have been equipped with the competencies, skills and experience required to thrive in the railway maintenance sector, focusing on employability and core skills, health and safety, track safety and track induction, as well as the SQA Level 4 Practical Skills for Employment qualification.

As part of the graduation celebration, potential employers took part in a speed recruitment event, with each young person given the opportunity to be interviewed for a potential job with companies including QTS, Story Contracting, AmcoGiffen, SPL Powerlines and Network Rail.

Lorna Gibson, director of QTS Training, said: “We are so incredibly proud of the young people who have grasped this opportunity with both hands. They have worked so hard over these ten weeks and to see them grow and develop has been a very rewarding experience.

“Thanks to our partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and Network Rail, we have been able to give them the chance to start their careers within rail, while also working to bridge the skills gap that currently exists within our industry.

“This is the 8th Rail Skills Academy that we have run and I’m so proud of the fact that we have a 97% employment rate, which I am sure will continue after today’s event.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “Seeing young people achieve great things is truly inspirational and I am thrilled to be part of this celebration event today, particularly as this is Scottish Careers Week. Training programmes such as this are key to achieving the First Minister’s priorities, particularly eradicating child poverty and building prosperity.

“The new graduates have developed an invaluable set of skills that allows us to bring fresh, new talent into the industry. I wish them all well as they set off on their new career path and hope that they utilise what they’ve learned as they move forward into their journey within the rail sector.”

Liam Sumpter, managing director, Network Rail Scotland, said: “This is a proud moment for the trainees and the East Kilbride Enhancement project, where Network Rail along with our contractor partners have provided invaluable support throughout the training.

“Part of the project’s ambition is to encourage the next generation of railway workers. Our industry is always looking to add and foster talent, and the Rail Skills Academy is a great way for young people to see if the railway is the place for them to pursue a career in an exciting industry that is a major employer and makes a significant contribution of up to £1.3bn each year to Scotland’s economy.”