Alstom-rail-Oct.jpg” />

UK's Department for Transport has opened Alstom's new Academy for Rail in Widnes, Cheshire, which is set to train 500 apprentices over the next five years.

Alstom is expected to take on 20 new apprentices later this year as part of the initiative, as well as offer additional 30 apprenticeship places to its existing staff.

The number of available apprenticeships is slated to increase to 135 by 2021.

Inaugurating the academy, UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Our rail network is growing and I have been clear we will need thousands more people working in the sector in the years ahead.

“I’m delighted to open Alstom’s top-class new Rail Academy, which will help train up the next generation of talent.

“We are investing £13bn in transport across the North and there are some great, rewarding careers working on our railways.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
"Our rail network is growing and I have been clear we will need thousands more people working in the sector in the years ahead."

The Alstom Academy for Rail will provide comprehensive training for young people and mature employees, as well as work with other education providers to deliver its apprenticeship programmes.

Alstom UK & Ireland managing director Nick Crossfield said: “In year one the Alstom Academy for Rail will train 20 apprentices, five of whom have been taken on to help repaint the iconic Pendolino trains right here in Widnes.”

The 56 repainted trains will be used by Virgin on the West Coast Main Line network.

The apprentice programme will also train the students to learn about the safety and maintenance of vehicles, including the Pendolino trains used on the West Coast Mainline and the Citadis trams that are used in Nottingham.


Image: UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling interacts with apprentices in the new academy. Photo: courtesy of Crown copyright.