WHILE unemployment in the United Kingdom continues to rise, Network Rail has said it is launching a campaign to fill 1,000 newly created vacancies around Great Britain.  These are in addition to the 3,500 jobs filled last year.

Network Rail — which says it is one of the UK’s largest investors in vocational training — has also called for a reduction in the bureaucracy of apprentice training schemes “to stimulate the country’s economy and get people into work.”

Network Rail’s director of infrastructure investment, Simon Kirby — who will help perform the official opening the Railtex exhibition in London on 10 March alongside Transport Minister Andrew (Lord) Adonis — said: “It is widely accepted that this country suffers from a skills shortage in key industries.
 
“Whilst we support many of the proposals [in the Government’s Apprenticeship, Skills, Children and Learning Bill] we are highly concerned that in its present form it financially penalises companies from investing in the mature age apprenticeships that are absolutely crucial to this country’s future and to its economic recovery.

“All apprenticeships should be treated equally and receive the same level of funding and support afforded by the Government to build a sound skills base. Not having funding parity in place makes it very difficult for us to budget effectively.”

Mr Kirby said NR would be taking on thousands of high-calibre people as part of its plans over the next five years to invest over £20bn “in crucial projects all over the country.”

He said NR had “begun the first of several phases in an active recruitment campaign to fill 1,000 newly created vacancies around Great Britain.”

The new vacancies are for apprentices, professional and skilled workers — “primarily to support key enhancement programmes,” said Mr Kirby — such as new lines in Scotland, reconstruction of Birmingham New Street, London 2012 Olympics, Reading station remodelling, Crossrail and Thameslink.

In the next 12 months, Network Rail’s graduate intake would be doubled to approximately 210, said Mr Kirby, adding: “In addition, Network Rail is committing to its second stream of MSc post-graduates in project management. [Those selected] will be taught full-time at two world-class institutions — University College London and the University of Warwick.

“This year also sees a further commitment from Network Rail to its award-winning advanced apprenticeship scheme. No less than 220 apprentices will be given the opportunity to become railwaymen and women of the future.
 
Mr Kirby added: “In 2008 we took on 3,500 people at Network Rail. There has never been a more exciting time to work for the railway, as we demonstrate our commitment to great projects delivered by great people.
 
“Network Rail needs people who will play integral roles in each of our major projects and many others – whether it is from an operational, engineering, maintenance or financial perspective. From the smallest to the largest, each is of national importance.”

More positions are expected to be created during the year and Mr Kirby said interested candidates should visit the Network Rail stand at the Railtex exhibition from 10 – 12 March at Earls Court Two, London.