New apprenticeship scheme launches at York College

A new apprenticeship scheme has launchedat York College.

Vital Skills Training, part of the Vital Services Group (VSG), is one of the largest suppliers of training services to the rail, energy, mechanical & electrical and construction sectors, has partnered with York College at the Yorkshire Rail Academy (YRA) to launch a regional training academy for 100 rail engineering apprentices over the next six months.  

Vital Rail, which is the specialist rail engineering arm of VSG, made a commitment to increase the number of apprentices it employs significantly in 2012 and this new regional academy will support learners working on rail projects across Yorkshire and the East of England.

The academy will also have a specialist signalling division, training apprentices in the art of installing and maintaining signalling infrastructure.

The YRA, located at the National Railway Museum, has training facilities for 48 apprentices at any one time. The 17 to 24 year old apprentices will learn the theory side of their Apprenticeship in classrooms and then put the theory into practice on a specialist training railway line before progressing to work on the railway network.  When qualified, apprentices will earn a starting salary of £16-£20K with further opportunities for progression with Vital Rail.

Since Vital Rail's reopening of a York office in April this year, the business has experienced great success in the region, which has led to the need to set up a dedicated training academy. Vital Services Group, which has offices across the country, has also specially targeted the area to create opportunities for local unemployed people and tackle high levels of youth unemployment, which currently stands at more than 20 per cent* for Yorkshire and Humberside.

Lawrence Dobie, Education & 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."

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."

If you are aged between 17 and 24 and want to apply, or find out more about the training and employment opportunities available with Vital Rail, bring your CV and come along to an open day at the YRA (located at the National Railway Museum, York) on Tuesday 28th August (12:00 - 20:00).  A further selection event will be held on Friday 31st August at the YRA (10am to 4pm).

If you are interested, please email apprenticeships@yorkcollege.ac.uk or call 01904 770445.