Light rail graduates fast-tracked for Metro development programme
The first graduates have emerged from a new course in the Black Country designed to raise skills levels in the light rail sector.
Dudley College of Technology has been running the course, which saw a group of unemployed people undergo a six-week training programme.
The sector-based work academy has been introduced as a direct response to the shortage in skilled and semi-skilled labour identified by the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA). It is looking to fill vacancies to build tram extensions across the West Midlands over a ten-year programme.
The academy course, which was delivered through Dudley College of Technology’s Construction and Employability Teams, covered a range of accredited training, including both practical and soft skills. Participants acquired skills in key areas such as abrasive wheels alongside more generic skills such as health and safety, team building and working in an urban environment.
Key partner Jobcentre Plus helped to identify suitable individuals who had expressed an interest in the sector and following an initial screening of over 100 applicants, the first cohort was selected. The group had a 100% retention rate despite two of its members becoming new fathers during the duration of the training.
As a result of their training, three of the cohort have already been placed in full-time employment by MMA and others are still under consideration for a variety of roles.
Other colleges have also contributed to the scheme with City of Wolverhampton College, Birmingham Metropolitan College and Solihull College all running similar schemes in conjunction with MMA.
Rose Rees, Training & Development Manager at MMA, said: “It has been very rewarding seeing the candidates develop their skills and qualifications over the six-week academy. They have become a confident team and supported each other throughout the programme.
“I have been impressed with the dedication of all staff involved and the determination of the candidates to succeed. This collaboration evidences the commitment of the MMA to helping a local labour force develop relevant skills for future employment within the West Midlands’ expanding rail and construction sectors.”
Lowell Williams, Principal of Dudley College of Technology, added: “It’s great to see the way training can help boost an individual’s confidence and move them in a different direction in terms of their work opportunities. It’s particularly pleasing to see adults acquiring new qualifications that will help put them ahead of the queue in interview situations.
“As a college, we are delighted to be part of this work based academy as it provides an excellent model to meet the skills needs of a particular industry.”
The college will be running more sector based work academies in a variety of disciplines within the next year.
