Tranport Minister Says First Rail Academy Could Be Created In Crewe (From Crewe Guardian)

Tranport Minister Says First Rail Academy Could Be Created In Crewe

12:55pm Monday 23rd November 2009

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TRANSPORT minister Lord Andrew Adonis has said the first rail academy could be established in Crewe.

He spoke about the new initiative at the Campaign for Better Transport.

He said: "Equipping our workforce with the skills to support new rail construction and maintenance is vital.

"I can announce my backing for a bid to launch a National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering, to address skills shortages in the rail sector and to develop UK railway industry expertise.

"The Academy would train railway staff at all levels, and equip apprentices with a broad range of design, construction and maintenance skills to support key projects like Crossrail, and our rail electrification programme.

"It’s all about preparing Britain’s rail industry for the future, and not just delivering a better, more efficient railway at home, but also selling our products and expertise abroad.

"The Academy, if approved, could very likely have its first centres in Crewe and London."

Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Crewe and Nantwich David Williams said: "I am absolutely delighted that the Secretary of State has given his personal commitment to the rail academy.

"This is something that the rail and engineering trade unions have long campaigned for.

"Such an endorsement from a cabinet minister takes us a whole lot closer to delivering this much needed investment in skills training.

"I really believe it will now happen.

"This investment is only available because Labour has been prepared to put money into jobs and training to help Britain out of the recession.

"This is an investment that wouldn't be available under from the Tories who have persistently and criticised Labour for our fiscal stimulus, but it is this same fiscal stimulus that has led to more apprenticeships, training and job opportunities for young people in Crewe and Nantwich."

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