Colas Rail UK joins Routes Into Rail As A Silver Funder

We are pleased to announce that Colas Rail UK has joined Routes into Rail (RiR) as a Silver funder.

RiR was set up by the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) to be a collaborative venture for the benefit of the whole industry and becomes a more effective resource as more rail organisations feed into the work it does. RiR will work hand-in-hand with Colas Rail UK, where we have the everyday knowledge of industry needs that make RiR’s efforts authentic.

In becoming a funder of RiR, Colas Rail UK has committed to supporting this important initiative to deliver skills for the railway of the future.

As part of this arrangement, Gemma Simmonds, Head of Careers & Development at Colas Rail UK has now joined the RiR Operations Board that meets quarterly to plan activities and give feedback on new opportunities.

Speaking on the new partnership Gemma said: “For the last 15 years, Colas Rail UK has proudly run successful Graduate and Apprentice programmes providing opportunities for development and progression within our business and the rail industry, reducing the skills gap and staff shortage for us and our clients.

“RiR provided us and the industry with a fantastic opportunity to work together to promote the vast number of roles and career paths available to everyone regardless of gender, background, or ability in the Rail Industry. We look forward to working closely with NSAR on this critical initiative.”

Neil Robertson, Chief Executive of NSAR (the driving force behind Routes into Rail), said: “It is great to have Colas Rail UK on board as part of the collaborative industry effort to build future rail skills. I applaud their commitment to addressing skills shortages and providing fantastic career opportunities for young people.

“Welcome to the Routes into Rail team.”

First Published: 1st May 2024

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