The second programme of the QTS Rail Skills Academy in East Kilbride has successfully completed, with 11 young people now equipped with the skills required to join the rail industry.
The Rail Skills Academy, which is being delivered by QTS Training on behalf on Network Rail, is funded through South Lanarkshire Council. The programme launched in March 2025 and was delivered over a 10-week period via both classroom and on track work experience.
The successful graduates were presented with their certificates at a special event, where they also had the opportunity to be interviewed for a potential job with companies including QTS, Story Contracting, AmcoGiffen, SPL Powerlines, Taziker and Network Rail.
Based at the East Kilbride Enhancement project site, the Academy formed part of the legacy programme for the East Kilbride Enhancement Project.
Throughout the period of the course, the graduates have been equipped with the competencies, skills and experience required to thrive in the railway maintenance sector, focusing on employability and core skills, health and safety, track safety and track induction, as well as the SQA Level 4 Practical Skills for Employment qualification.
”Having a project like the one at East Kilbride has been a fantastic opportunity for the young people in the Skills Academy to have worked on. To have experienced the variety of works carried out on the project and to see it now completed, gives them a real sense of pride. Following the success of the first programme delivered as part of the East Kilbride project, where all the trainees secured jobs in the rail industry, we were delighted to be given the opportunity to deliver this second programme.
Lorna GibsonDirector of QTS Training
I look forward to watching these young people develop and flourish in their new careers within our industry.
”Completing the programme is a major achievement for everyone involved and a clear sign of their potential as the next generation of rail professionals.
Gerry McQuadeNetwork Rail capital delivery director
These individuals are stepping into the industry with the skills, confidence, and fresh thinking we need to meet the challenges ahead and deliver a railway fit for the future.
It's a privilege to support their journey and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll make across Scotland’s railway.
