Training firm joins tracks with recruitment platform to strengthen rail workforce
A Birmingham-based rail training and assessment provider has taken an 80% controlling stake in a specialist job board for the railway industry.
The Rail Academy has acquired the stake in Rail Recruiter from Business Daily Group, with plans to streamline recruitment and training for the UK rail workforce.
The Birmingham firm aims to provide a more integrated service for sourcing, selecting, and assessing candidates, as well as offering a consolidated solution for recruitment and training.
Cath Bellamy, managing director of The Rail Academy said: “With over 30% of the UK rail workforce, including train drivers, set to retire in the next five to ten years, there is a looming skills gap. The Rail Academy already provides specialist training for train drivers and is expanding its services. By incorporating Rail Recruiter, we aim to provide a targeted service for sourcing, shortlisting, and testing candidates for rail employers, helping to streamline the process.”
“We aim to create a central platform where prospective employees can view available opportunities, help those already in the sector find new roles, and give employers a more effective way to attract talent.”
The National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) reports that a third of the UK rail workforce is aged 50 or older, with many nearing retirement.
By 2030, up to 90,000 workers may leave the industry, leading to a loss of skills and experience.
David McLoughlin, Chairman of Business Daily Group said: “Rail Recruiter is growing as a brand within the UK rail sector. Moving the majority ownership to The Rail Academy provides an opportunity to expand the platform. I also want to recognise Simon Taylor for his role in developing Rail Recruiter, following our work on Rail Business Daily, which we sold in 2023.”
