Minding the skills gap: careers in rail

Each day the gap in question gets a little wider. A high rate of retirement from the workforce, in what is perceived as a comparatively low-tech sphere, has not been balanced with a replenishment of younger engineering stock; engineers with skills and knowledge are now needed to enable the industry to embrace its hi-tech future. This is one based squarely on the application of new technology, such as in-cab signalling and fly-by-wire control systems; it also involves a continued investment in line electrification, the proposed extension of the high-speed network and the challenge of reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint.

There are none more mindful of the gap than Steve White, services director at Siemens, who is responsible for maintaining and supporting the Siemens rolling stock, which includes some of the most technologically advanced trains on the UK network. ‘There are 13,500 people in the UK who earn their living by looking after rolling stock. The industry estimates there will be a gap of 4,500 in the next five years.’