Siemens Mobility has chosen Selby College as its training partner for its new rail facility in Goole, Yorkshire. It received in the region of 200 applications for the site’s first 12 apprenticeship roles.
The apprentices will be the first of up to 700 who will work at the new rail manufacturing site. During their first year at Selby College they will develop core engineering skills. The total course will run for three years, starting in September 2020. The students will then join the workforce at Goole when the facility opens in 2023.
Selby College
Selby College is located just ten miles from Siemens Mobility’s Goole site. Siemens selected the college for its outstanding track record in delivering apprenticeships, its excellent facilities, its focus on student welfare and health and safety, and its proximity to the site.
“The appointment of Selby College is another important milestone for our Goole facility and will have a key role to play in helping us create a legacy of highly-skilled engineers.
“The number and quality of applications indicates the level of interest in this incredibly exciting project. The demand for these entry-level opportunities bodes well for future recruitment for a wide range of manufacturing, engineering and associated roles as the project continues to move forward.”
Most of the applicants for the Level 3 Rail Technician Apprenticeship positions are from East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Siemens Mobility as they deliver the most significant development in this area for decades. As the closest full-scale college to Goole, with significant engineering facilities and partnerships with industry, we feel we are well placed to play a key role in this project. Our excellent campus will provide a great base for the apprentices during their time with us.
“It’s vital that local people have the opportunity to realise their potential and take on fulfilling roles that will bring prosperity to their families and to the area. Siemens Mobility’s investment, the jobs it will create and partnerships with training providers like us creates exactly those opportunities.”
Once the Goole manufacturing facility is up and running, it will provide employment for up to 700 skilled workers. It will also provide 250 jobs during the construction period, which is due to begin later in 2020. This is based on Siemens Mobility obtaining detailed planning approval from East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
The manufacturing facility will be part of further facilities in the fields of research and development, digital innovation, and supplier facilities. Siemens Mobility envisages the site to become a ‘rail village’.
One of the main drivers behind the development was the 1.5bn GBP contract with London Underground Ltd, a subsidiary of TfL, to build the next generation of tube trains for the Piccadilly line.
Apprenticeship Scheme
Following the 200 applications, 40 candidates will be shortlisted. They will take part in two assessment days in early June. As a result of the social distancing rules currently in place, Siemens Mobility is drawing up plans to allow the candidates to participate remotely if necessary, including in virtual group activities.
The chosen candidates will develop core skills in mechanical and electrical engineering during their first year at Selby College. Then, in the second year, they will spend one day a week at the college and the remaining four on placement at Siemens Mobility facilities to allow them to build their practical skills and experience.
The candidates will also take part in a four-week training block at the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR) in Northampton. This will deepen their understanding of the rail industry.
In the third year, then, the candidates will divide their time between a six-month placement at Siemens Mobility’s metros centre of excellence in Vienna and with the first intake of employees at the new Goole site.
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