The Government has launched an employer-led Strategic Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce (STAT) to tackle the skills crises in the sector, with HS2 Ltd’s chief executive Simon Kirby appointed as chair.
Transport Network first revealed that the taskforce was due to meet after invitations were sent out to senior figures by transport minister, Lord Ahmad.
In a statement, the Department for Transport (DfT) has said STAT’s work is likely to focus on ‘shaping quality training for new entrants and the existing workforce, as well as promoting careers in transport’.
STAT is designed to support the Government’s commitment to create 30,000 new apprenticeships in transport by 2020 – outlined in the Transport Infrastructure Skills Strategy - and to increase the diversity of the workforce.
Lord Ahmad, said: ‘I have seen for myself the enthusiasm in young people for planes, trains and automobiles, and I am determined that the Government’s record investment in transport helps transform childhood fascinations into lifelong careers.
‘Transport these days is about computers in laboratories as much as cranes in landfill sites. That is why STAT will help inspire and enable people from all walks of life to choose transport, and ensure we have the diverse and skilled workforce we need to deliver our ambitious agenda.’
Mr Kirby, who was an apprentice with British Rail – said: ‘I used my apprenticeship as a springboard for my career. It also equipped me with invaluable people skills that I’ve used in all aspects of my job. I am therefore delighted to be appointed as the chair of STAT.
'Employers should see taking on an apprentice as an opportunity to develop skills within their business and this in turn can help young people to develop long and successful careers within their chosen sector.
‘It is vital that we also inspire people from all different backgrounds to become an apprentice so that we can create a diverse workforce capable of delivering the unprecedented number of transport projects currently in the pipeline.’
The Government’s skills strategy also set an ambition for 20% of new entrants to engineering and technical apprenticeships in transport to be women by 2020, and a 20% increase in the number of BAME candidates undertaking apprenticeships by the same period.
The STAT Board membership includes:
- David Poole, Commercial and Procurement Director, Highways England
- Rob McIntosh, Route Managing Director, Network Rail
- Beth West, Commercial Director, HS2 Ltd
- Valerie Todd, Talent and Resources Director, Crossrail
- George McInulty, Programme Director for Infrastructure, TfL
- Paul Plummer, Chief Executive, Rail Delivery Group
- Kevin Rowan, Head of Organisation and Services, TUC
- Catherine De Marco, Deputy Director for Infrastructure Skills, DfT.
