The TransPennine Route Upgrade has reaffirmed its commitment to creating jobs in the Kirklees area at the Kirklees College Skills and Apprenticeship Fair which took place in Dewsbury and as part of National Careers Week.
‘Our Guiding Compass' is the sustainability strategy of the multi-billion pound programme of rail improvements, which includes an aim to develop 4,000 new positions alongside safeguarding a further 4,000 jobs whilst construction is ongoing across the route, of which 20% represent underrepresented groups.
The strategy also plans to ensure that 60% of the project workforce is employed from within a 25-mile radius of the route alongside 80% from within 40 miles.
The Kirklees College Skills and Apprenticeship Fair, which was organised by MP, Mark Eastwood, plays a key role in raising awareness of career opportunities as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade with students local to the programme.
Further work which supports the strategy is carried out by the Transpennine Route Upgrade Social Value Team who aim to deliver more than 30,000 placement days with a minimum of 20% from underrepresented groups supporting:
- Those new to the rail sector
- Pre-employment
- Transitioning
- Upskilling
Promoting apprenticeships and getting people on the employment ladder as an alternative to a university degree is a key priority of mine as the Member of Parliament for Dewsbury.
“I'm delighted that TRU were in attendance at my Skills and Apprenticeships Fair last week. The Transpennine Route Upgrade will create jobs and employment for thousands of people, many potentially coming from my constituency.
Mark Eastwood, MP and Event Organiser
Our Social Value team visits local schools, colleges and universities to promote apprenticeships. Part of our job is to offer work experience to students and talk about the wide range of jobs available on a project such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade
Karl Wilson, Transpennine Route Upgrade's Social Value Co-ordinater
