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Is HS2 Set to Transform the Rail Industry?

1st February 2013

In January last year, the government announced plans to build High Speed 2 – a high-speed railway line set to be constructed in two parts. Initially, the route will link London to Birmingham, dramatically reducing passenger journey time. The second phase of the high-speed development will then transform the route into the form of a “Y” shape- splitting the line in two directions, one continuing from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly via Crewe and Manchester Airport and the other from Birmingham to Leeds via East Midlands and Sheffield.

In recent years, many feel that rail industry contractors and consultancies have been apprehensive and unwilling to invest in staff training and full-time hires due to short term contracts and lack of confidence in long-term workloads. HS2 could be set to solve this.

The new line is estimated to cost around £30billion and will be completed by 2032, it’s commissioning along with substantial government investment in cross rail and other national electrification projects such as ‘The electric spine’ lay testament to the government’s continued commitment & confidence in the booming rail industry, a fact which will no doubt boost many rail companies faith when it comes to investing in permanent recruits.

According to Andy Ridout, Managing Director of railway recruitment company Advance-TRS, the employment of long-term, permanent staff should definitely be encouraged;
“Creating long-term and reliable employment will not only save rail organisations themselves money on short- term contract hires but will have a holistic benefit for the whole industry through the investment in staff training. Training will ensure that younger workers are given the opportunity to provide an in-depth, knowledgeable service, comparable with that of the facility provided by their more experienced counterparts.” Andy went on to say, “With an ageing workforce this kind of employee investment is imperative.”

Advance-TRS offer their clients extensive training in candidate attraction, staff retention and maximum employee utilisation.

If you feel your company could benefit from staff training or management training or if you simply wish to recruit with like-minded rail experts, then call Advance-TRS on 01483 361 061