Boost for young job seekers as York academy announces new rail apprenticeships scheme

A collaboration between York College and Vital Rail – the rail engineering arm of Vital Services Group – will begin this month.

It will be based at the college’s Yorkshire Rail Academy at the National Railway Museum in York, as well as having classroom training in the theory behind their practical work.

Lawrence Dobie, education and training director at Vital Services Group, said: “We are delighted to be opening a regional training academy with York College, which will provide a specialist facility for learners to develop their skills in rail engineering.

“Over the next few years there will be high levels of investment in the UK’s rail industry, which will create a need for a skilled local work force, so we’re acting now in a bid to get ahead of the curve. By providing and generating opportunities for young people, we can help them to broaden their horizons and develop the skills they need to make the most out of what can be a long and rewarding career.”

Vital Rail reopened a York office in April and has now opened a dedicated training academy. Its parent company, Vital Services Group, has targeted Yorkshire and the Humber because of its high levels of youth unemployment, currently standing at more than 20 per cent across the region.

The college said it was delighted to be able to announce such a significant number of apprenticeships.

Louise Lawrence-Crockford, assistant principal for employer engagement at York College, added: “Vital has an impressive track record in training across the rail sector and we are delighted to be launching this training academy in partnership with them.”

The academy has space for up to 48 apprentices at a time and, after first working in the classroom, the trainees will move on to a specialist training railway line before progressing to work on the railway network.

The apprenticeships are open to anyone aged between 17 and 24 who is interested in a career in rail engineering.

An open day is being held at the Yorkshire Rail Academy on Tuesday, August 28 between noon and 8pm, when potential trainees are being invited to bring their CVs.

If successful, they will be invited to a selection event at the end of that week.