With hundreds of millions of pounds of investment being made into the West Midlands public transport system, the college's Transport, Rail and Infrastructure Academy (TRIA) is at the forefront of ensuring local people can develop the skills needed to work on the construction of the region's expanding tram and train networks.
Working in partnership with National Infrastructure Solutions - a leading provider of training in the rail, civil engineering and utilities industries - the academy focusses on equipping newcomers to the industry with the skills needed to work in the sector and upskilling existing operatives to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the latest industry-recognised qualifications and accreditations to ensure sustainable skilled employment now and in the future.
The academy offers employer-led training to address specific skills gaps in the industry and also runs free rail training courses for people who are registered as unemployed through a sector-based work academy programme (SWAP). The six-week scheme offers pre-employment training, on-site work experience and a guaranteed job interview with an industry employer looking to recruit new staff.
All training sites are equipped with industry-standard tools and machinery, giving students hands-on experience in multiple disciplines.
The rail training centre at the Wellington Road campus, in Bilston, boasts a range of industry equipment including:
The rail training centre in Dudley is based at the at the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO)'s Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre in Zoological Drive.
The site boasts a range of equipment including:
Specialist signalling training area
More than 2000 metres of conventional rail track
Whether you are completely new to the rail industry, already work and want to update your skills, or are a business owner wanting to upskill your workforce, our courses will give you the qualifications needed to work in this fast-growing sector.
