An apprenticeship dedicated to the construction and renewals of tram could be launched as early as 2019.
Led by the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), the UK’s light rail industry has been given the green light from the Institute for Apprenticeships to develop the employer-led apprenticeship.
MMA director Alejandro Moreno said that the tram sector is experiencing a period of expansion and that apprenticeships will help to secure the sector’s future talent.
Work will begin shortly to develop the standard and employers and key stakeholders will be consulted to help influence the programme.
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Midland Metro Alliance development manager Rose Rees said: “Input from employers across the industry is crucial to ensure that the new apprenticeship will cover all of the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to undertake tramway construction and renewal activities in complex, ever-changing urban environments.”
Once the scheme has been agreed, employers could start to train the first apprentices early next year.
The Midland Metro Alliance is a consortium of firms that have signed a long-term framework agreement to design and construct future expansions to the Midland Metro. As well as the West Midlands Combined Authority, the consortium consists of: Egis, Tony Gee, Pell Frischmann, Colas Rail, Barhale, Bouygues UK and Auctus Management Group.
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