QTS Training announces senior hire to bolster capabilities in Midlands and Yorkshire

July 2023

QTS Training, a national provider of railway training services, has announced the appointment of Phil Wheatcroft in the role of Senior Trainer and Assessor. 

Phil began his new role in June and will be a key part in building the firm’s presence in England.  

He will oversee operations across QTS Training’s English training centres; in Linby, Nottinghamshire, Knottingley and Leeds, Yorkshire. 

Boasting more than three decades of experience in rail safety and training, Phil spent more than 20 years at rail construction firm Jarvis before spending a decade at training provider, Intertrain. 

Phil currently sits on several industry steering groups, including Network Rail’s Competency Direction Group and its Lift Planner Competence Working Group. As part of this, he helps with the creation of new competency and training materials for the rail sector.

In his new role, Phil will also take responsibility for the quality and delivery of trainers based in England, helping to upskill new trainers and grow the QTS Training team.  

Lorna Gibson, Director of QTS Training said: “It’s great to have welcomed Phil at such an exciting time for us. His vast knowledge and experience will prove hugely beneficial to QTS Training, particularly as we scale up our operations at our English training centres. 

“We have huge ambitions to grow our business in the next few years and Phil will play a crucial role in this, helping to grow both the team and the level of training services we offer. I look forward to seeing him take responsibility for the quality and delivery of training in England, continuing to build on our reputation for excellence.”

Phil Wheatcroft, Senior Training Assessor, said: “It’s been a fantastic initial month at QTS Training. I’ve been following the company for several years now and it’s wonderful to be playing a part in its next chapter.

“For me, I’m most excited to upskill new talent to help tackle the skills shortage and bring more people into the rail industry. As we know, it’s an ageing workforce and engaging young people will be key to futureproofing operations, so I look forward to delivering training courses that encourage people to develop their careers in rail.” 

QTS Training is the training and skills arm of the national rail contracting company, QTS Group.