Apprenticeships provide a valuable supply of future employees for the underground excavation sector. In London, the Crossrail programme is celebrating 1,000 apprentices, far more than the target of 400 that was set in 2009 at the project outset.
Apprentices have trained under Network Rail, Bombardier Transportation and MTR Crossrail in professions ranging from civil engineering and business administration to mechanical and electrical engineering during construction and renovation of tunnels under London to create the new Elizabeth line.
Andrew Jones MP, Exchequer Secretary to HM Treasury, visited the new station at Tottenham Court Road to meet current apprentices and those who have qualified and gone on to secure work on other infrastructure projects including Tideway and the Northern Line Extension.
“I want to commend Crossrail and its partners for taking on 1,000 apprentices. This is a really impressive milestone which supports the government's commitment to see 3 million apprenticeships by 2020,” said Jones. “These apprentices working on Europe's biggest engineering project are equipping themselves with the skills they need to succeed.”
“2018 will see government and industry join forces for the Year of Engineering, and the achievements of Crossrail’s apprentices will play a vital role in encouraging young people, their parents and teachers to see the immense value and opportunity of the profession,” said John Hayes MP, Transport Apprenticeships and Year of Engineering Minister. “I hope it will inspire many more young people to consider a career that puts them at the forefront of new infrastructure and technology.”
“I cannot recommend apprenticeships highly enough, it is the best thing I have ever done and has been life changing. I was able to earn whilst I learnt my trade on the incredibly exciting Crossrail project, and I have now taken the next step in what I hope will be a long and rewarding career,” said Katie Kelleher, previous Crossrail apprentice now working for Tideway.
“Investment in skills and training is essential, not just to the delivery of the Elizabeth line, but also the next generation of projects. I am continually impressed by the drive and commitment of our apprentices and I would like to congratulate each of them on their fantastic achievements,” said Sir Terry Morgan, Crossrail Chairman.
Since 2009 Crossrail has been at the forefront of other advances in training for the underground construction industry.
20,000 people have been trained at the Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy in Ilford, now run by Transport for London; more than 5,000 unemployed and local people have been employed thanks to a partnership between Crossrail contractors and Jobcentre Plus; Crossrail has partnered with Women in Construction to recruit more women into the industry; more than 40,000 students have learnt about the project through the Young Crossrail programme that partnered with local schools along the route.
When the TfL-run Elizabeth line opens in 2018 it will carry over 200 million passengers per year, adding 10 per cent capacity to central London’s rail network. It will link London’s key employment, leisure and business districts – Heathrow, West End, the City and Canary Wharf, and encourage regeneration all the way across the capital.
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