The South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA) have launched a one of a kind, tailormade bootcamp in collaboration with Intertrain (part of the City & Guilds Group) to integrate SRSA and their supply chain’s front-line staff to promote safer ways of working collaboratively.

 The bootcamps run over the course of six days and cover the following topics:

  • Safety behaviours
  • Track renewal delivery
  • Plant equipment training
  • Environmental knowledge and training
  • Safety critical communications
  • Emergency response training

Completing and passing the formal assessment will enable the attendees to pursue a variety of roles including Plant Operator, Trackman and Track Operative. They will also receive a digital credential issued by City & Guilds upon completion.

The bootcamps blend practical demonstrations on how to safely use equipment with classroom-based learning. Both elements of the bootcamps feature bespoke content created by the SRSA and Intertrain as opposed to the standardised training modules provided on other rail industry courses.

Part of the training course required handling equipment for demonstrations, which were provided by Sunbelt Rentals free of charge.

Speaking about the creation of the bootcamps, SRSA Programme Engineering Manager & Head of Transformation and Continuous Improvement, Nick Matthews said “The SRSA wants everyone to be “Free to Be Safe” and get home safely every day.

“To do this, the SRSA targets a beyond zero approach to safety, after looking at recent safety events, we realised that there were several common themes that needed addressing right across the Alliance.

“The first of the boot camps rightly supports the workforce on site who are at the greatest risk of harm. Once the four boot camps have been delivered, the SRSA will deliver the same Environmental, Emergency, Safety and Behavioural training right across the Alliance, from Director down so that we all have the same common core skills.

“The technical disciplines such as S&T, OLE, E&P and PWay will get bespoke technical training too.”

These thoughts are echoed by Intertrain Managing Director, Alex Pond who said “We are delighted the SRSA have selected Intertrain as their chosen training provider for the P-Way bootcamps project. It has been an excellent collaboration from all parties involved.

“Our trainers and the trainees have really enjoyed the experience and the project promotes the very important message of ‘Free to be Safe’. We are very much looking forward to continuing with the programme by delivering the remaining P-Way bootcamps, alongside the development and delivery of the S&T and OLE bootcamps”.

For more information on Intertrain Bootcamps please visit their Railway Training Courses website.

The SRSA is comprised of Colas Rail, Network Rail and AECOM, an alliance created to deliver a portfolio of works across the southern region of the UK over a 10-year period.