Category: Accreditations, Awards & Certifications

Network Rail’s safety vision is simple: “Everyone Home Safe Every Day.” This message reflects something we strongly believe in at Advance TRS. In safety-critical environments, every person working across the railway deserves to go home safely at the end of every shift. 

Rail Safety Week is an important opportunity to recognise the role everyone plays in maintaining safe working environments across the industry, both on site and behind the scenes. 

Safety Starts Before Site 

When people think about rail safety, they often think about what happens trackside: PPE, possessions, site briefings and safe systems of work. But in reality, a lot of the work starts before somebody even reaches the site. 

At Advance TRS, we support rail contractors working across the UK rail network, helping ensure workers are compliant, competent, medically fit and prepared before work begins. 

As a Sentinel sponsor, we are responsible for helping ensure contractors hold the correct competencies and certifications required for their role. We also support occupational health processes and compliance requirements. 

We work closely with clients to ensure workers meet both rail industry standards and individual client requirements, including CDM Regulations. 

Rail Safety

Keeping Contractors Informed 

Ongoing communication plays an important role in supporting contractor safety. Every month, we send safety briefings to our sponsored rail workers covering updates to legislation, rail standards, handbook changes and wider health and safety guidance. 

A lot of this information comes from https://www.raas.co.uk/RAAS, our health and safety consultants, who provide quarterly updates on changes across the industry, including environmental guidance, rail standards and legislation updates. 

We also share safety communications issued through Network Rail and Sentinel, including lessons learned from incidents and important operational reminders. 

Where additional industry briefings are required, such as the 019 webinar briefing relating to safe work planning, we ensure workers complete the briefing, and that attendance is correctly logged on Sentinel. 

These updates help keep safety front of mind and ensure workers remain informed about changes that may affect safe working practices. 

Rail PPE

Supporting Safe Working Environments 

Before work begins, contractors receive site-specific inductions from clients covering areas such as safe access and egress routes, welfare facilities, emergency procedures, local risks and site safety arrangements. 

Workers are also briefed on the line access arrangements, planned possessions and any local safety requirements relevant to the work being undertaken. 

Our role is to support that process by helping ensure workers are fit to work, correctly equipped and prepared before deployment. 

That includes checking competencies, reviewing medical declarations and helping ensure PPE is suitable and up to standard. 

We also issue health surveillance forms and safety questionnaires covering areas such as fatigue, PPE, occupational wellbeing and training requirements. 

Health surveillance processes help identify any concerns relating to hearing, vibration exposure, respiratory conditions or wider occupational health risks before they become larger issues. 

Creating a Culture Where People Speak Up 

A strong safety culture relies on people feeling comfortable raising concerns. If somebody feels unsafe while working, they must report it immediately, either through their line manager, consultant or directly to us. Where necessary, we will pull workers off-site while concerns are investigated. 

Within Advance TRS, we have two key people looking after health and safety, risk and compliance across the business. They are:

Lauren Hawkins is the Safety Manager at Advance TRS, and oversees health, safety, risk and compliance across the business. With 10 years at Advance TRS and previous experience within rail recruitment, Lauren supports the company’s safety-first approach across highly regulated rail environments, including Sentinel sponsorship, occupational health processes, contractor compliance and industry accreditations such as RISQS and ISO 45001 

Sam Jennings acts as our Safety Representative and supports employees and contractors who may need additional guidance or support around safety concerns. 

Network Rail also reinforces the importance of speaking up and challenging unsafe conditions when identified. Creating a strong reporting culture is a key part of improving safety across the railway. 

Rail Health & Safety

Supporting Wellbeing and Occupational Health 

Safety is not only about physical risks. The rail industry can be demanding, and well-being plays an important role in helping people work safely and confidently. 

At Advance TRS, we support occupational health referrals as required and help ensure that workers receive appropriate support when health concerns may affect their ability to work safely. 

This can include referrals relating to medication, mental wellbeing or wider occupational health concerns. Where appropriate, contractors are referred to occupational health specialists for further assessment and support. 

We also have two trained Mental Health First Aiders within the business, supporting both employees and contractors where needed. 

Maintaining High Standards 

Over the years, Advance TRS has continued to maintain high standards across health, safety, quality and compliance, successfully achieving: 

  • 10 ISO audits 

The business also maintains internationally recognised accreditations, including: 

  • ISO 9001 – Quality Management 
  • ISO 27001 – Information Security 
  • ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety 

Advance TRS is also proud to be a member of the Rail Forum, supporting collaboration, best practice and ongoing engagement across the wider UK rail industry. 

These accreditations help demonstrate our commitment to compliance, continuous improvement and maintaining safe, healthy working environments across the business and wider rail industry, particularly through our ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management accreditation. 

Advance TRS is proud to have a 0 Incident Frequency Rate (IFR) and Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) across 2024, 2025 and 2026 to date. 

Building a Safe and Supportive Environment 

We are proud of the safe and supportive environment we continue to build across the business. There is a genuine sense of teamwork and support at Advance TRS, and people genuinely care about doing things the right way. That shared commitment to safety, professionalism and continuous improvement helps create a culture where people feel supported, listened to and responsible for maintaining high standards across the business and the wider rail industry. 

Rail Safety Week

Rail Safety Week 

Network Rail supports more than 200,000 people working across the rail industry, and maintaining a strong safety culture relies on everyone playing their part. 

Whether you are working on site, managing projects, sponsoring workers or supporting operations behind the scenes, every role contributes to helping people get home safe every day. 

Because safety starts before someone reaches the site. 

Advance TRS is pleased to announce that the business has successfully achieved Cyber Essentials certification, the UK Government-backed scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats.

This achievement marks another important milestone in our commitment to maintaining robust cyber security and protecting the data entrusted to us by our clients, candidates, and colleagues.

Cyber Essentials certification confirms that Advance TRS has implemented key technical controls to safeguard our IT systems and reduce vulnerability to common cyber-attacks such as phishing, malware, and unauthorised access.

The certification covers our UK-managed office networks in Port Solent and Guildford, as well as our Azure UK production networks, ensuring strong security standards across the infrastructure supporting our business operations.

Cyber Security Certification

Strengthening Our Cyber Security Framework

Achieving Cyber Essentials builds upon the strong foundations already established within Advance TRS. The business operates an ISO 27001-certified Information Security Management System (ISMS), which provides a structured framework for managing information security risks and continuously improving our processes.

ISO 27001 sets internationally recognised standards for how organisations manage sensitive information, ensuring appropriate policies, governance, and controls are in place.

By maintaining ISO 27001 certification and achieving Cyber Essentials, Advance TRS continues to strengthen its cyber security posture and demonstrate a proactive approach to protecting critical information.

These certifications support our commitment to:

  • Protecting client, candidate, and employee data
  • Maintaining a secure digital infrastructure across the business
  • Managing cyber security risks through structured governance
  • Continuously improving our information security practices

Supporting Secure Delivery For Infrastructure Clients

Advance TRS supports major organisations across the rail, water, energy, aviation, and built environment sectors, providing specialist recruitment and consultancy services.

Operating within complex supply chains means our clients expect high standards of governance, compliance, and cybersecurity. Achieving Cyber Essentials provides additional assurance that Advance TRS meets recognised cyber security standards and maintains secure systems for collaboration and data management.

For organisations operating within regulated industries and critical infrastructure, working with partners who prioritise information security is essential.

Thank You To Our Cyber Security Partners

We would like to extend our thanks to Nigel and the team at MGN for their expertise and support in guiding Advance TRS through the Cyber Essentials assessment process and ensuring a successful audit outcome.

Cyber security is an ongoing journey, and this certification represents the latest step in our continued investment in strengthening the resilience, security, and reliability of our digital infrastructure.

FAQs

What is Cyber Essentials certification?

Cyber Essentials is a UK Government-backed cyber security certification designed to help organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. The scheme focuses on implementing essential technical controls such as secure network configurations, access management, malware protection, and regular system updates to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks.

Why is Cyber Essentials important for businesses in the UK?

Cyber Essentials helps organisations strengthen their cyber security defences and demonstrate that they take information security seriously. Many clients, particularly in regulated sectors and critical infrastructure industries, expect suppliers and partners to meet recognised cyber security standards.

How does Cyber Essentials support information security in recruitment?

Recruitment businesses handle sensitive data, including candidate information, client details, and project documentation. Cyber Essentials ensures organisations implement key security controls to protect this data from cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and unauthorised access.

What is the difference between Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001?

Cyber Essentials focuses on protecting organisations against common cyber threats through five key technical controls.

ISO 27001 is a broader international standard for managing information security through a structured Information Security Management System (ISMS), including governance, risk management, and continuous improvement processes.

Many organisations use Cyber Essentials alongside ISO 27001 to strengthen their overall cyber security framework.

Why should organisations work with a secure recruitment partner?

Working with a recruitment partner that follows recognised information security standards ensures that candidate data, client information, and project details are handled securely. Certifications such as Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 demonstrate that an organisation has robust cyber security processes and governance in place.

What industries benefit from working with cyber-secure recruitment partners?

Industries that manage complex infrastructure projects or sensitive operational data particularly benefit from working with secure recruitment partners. This includes sectors such as rail, water and environment, energy and renewables, aviation, highways, buildings, and wider infrastructure programmes.

We’re proud to announce that we have been audited and received our RISQS recertification. This audit revealed no non-conformances or observations, maintaining our standing as a trusted supplier to the rail sector. 

At Advance TRS, we believe that safety, compliance, and quality are non-negotiable and not just a box to tick. They are the foundation of everything we do across all the sectors that we work in. Achieving this renewed RISQS accreditation reaffirms our ongoing commitment to those principles. 

RISQs Rail Safety and Compliance

What RISQS accreditation means, and why it matters 

RISQS isn’t just another certificate, it’s the gateway to supplying the rail industry. As the UK’s dedicated rail-industry supply-chain assurance scheme, it’s used across the rail sector to verify that suppliers meet rigorous standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.  

By being RISQS-accredited, we demonstrate to our clients and contractors that we: 

  • Operate under validated safety and quality management systems, ensuring that every project meets the stringent standards the rail industry demands.  
  • Are capable of delivering services, whether consultancy, maintenance, or labour supply, while adhering to rail-specific compliance obligations.  
  • Provide clients with a trusted, auditable record of competence, reducing the need for duplicate audits or supplier-side audits by clients.  

RISQS accreditation gives our clients confidence. Ultimately, it means working with a partner who is independently verified and trusted throughout the rail supply chain.

What is RISQS Accreditation? 

Rail Recruitment

Why does this latest RISQS recertification matter to us? 

  • Our entire compliance team works all year round to maintain robust processes and ensure that safety, documentation, and competence are always up to date. 
  • This RISQs recertification is a clear confirmation that we continue to meet, and often exceed, the demanding standards set by the rail industry. 
  • It shows we remain reliable and ready to deliver high-quality, safe, and compliant services at whatever scale or complexity our clients require. 
Rail Standards Health & Safety

Looking ahead, our commitment remains unchanged 

As we move forward, we remain committed to raising the bar. RISQS accreditation isn’t a one-time achievement, it’s a commitment to ongoing excellence. We will continue to uphold safety, transparency, and quality across every project, ensuring our clients can rely on us with confidence. 

Thank you to every member of the Advance TRS team whose hard work and dedication make this possible. 

Advance TRS Successfully Completes Surveillance Audits For ISO 27001 & ISO 45001

In a year where risks are evolving faster than ever from cyber threats to workplace safety expectations, Advance TRS has once again raised the bar. We’re proud to announce that we have successfully completed surveillance audits for both ISO 27001 (Information Security) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), following a rigorous three-day audit with zero observations or non-conformances, underscoring our commitment to operational excellence.

These aren’t just certificates on a wall. They reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting our people, our clients, our candidates, and our data every single day.

Why This Certification Matters More Than Ever

ISO 27001 Security

ISO 27001

Cyber security is no longer a background concern, it’s a frontline priority.

“43% of UK businesses reported experiencing a cyber security breach or attack.”

The rail, water, highways, energy, defence, aviation and telecoms environment depend on safe handling of sensitive project information, commercial data, and personal records. Being recertified for ISO 27001 proves that our systems don’t just comply, they perform.

  • Robust data protection
  • Clear, consistent security controls
  • Confidence for clients sharing sensitive project information
  • Reassurance for candidates entrusting us with their personal details

This certification underlines our proactive approach to risk management and our mission to stay one step ahead in an evolving digital landscape.

What is ISO 27001 Accreditation?

ISO 45001 Health & Safety

ISO 45001 – Because Safety Is Personal

Whether it’s our office teams, our contractors, or visitors, safety is non-negotiable. ISO 45001 certification reinforces that Advance TRS is operating with the highest health & safety standards, from risk assessments to welfare practices and emergency preparedness.

  • Safe, supportive working environments
  • Strong leadership and safety culture
  • Clear, consistent compliance across the business

This isn’t just a standard it’s a promise that the wellbeing of our people always comes first.

What is ISO 45001 Accreditation?

Advance- TRS Team

A Team Effort – And A Culture We’re Proud Of

Behind every audit result is a huge amount of ongoing work: policy reviews, process improvements, training refreshers, document control, continuous monitoring and plenty of teamwork.

A massive thank-you to everyone across the business who plays a part in upholding these standards every day. Recertification is the outcome, but the culture of excellence is the reason.

Beyond Compliance – Fuel For Future Growth

These certifications unlock real commercial value:

  • They strengthen our place on Preferred Supplier Lists and major framework agreements.
  • They support expansion across rail, water, construction, energy, utilities, aviation, highways, and beyond.
  • They reinforce trust with clients who expect the highest safety and security standards.

Looking Ahead – Continuous Improvement Never Stops

These audits aren’t a finish line, it’s another checkpoint on our commitment to continual improvement. We’re already preparing for our next RISQS audit, as well as ongoing enhancements across our internal systems.

Our goal? To remain one of the most trusted, accredited, and responsible recruitment businesses in the industry.

Want to Work With A Trained, Trusted And Accredited Recruitment Partner?

From ethical hiring and audit-ready compliance to uncompromising safety and security standards, we’re committed to excellence in every interaction.

Certification isn’t something we do once a year, it’s something we live every day. And this latest achievement is a testament to the people behind Advance TRS who make excellence the standard, not the ambition.

Find out more about our recruitment compliance

Explore our full range of certifications and awards

Learn more about our corporate responsibility commitments:

We are pleased to announce that Advance TRS is now officially one of the newest Rail Forum members, joining a national network dedicated to driving excellence, innovation, and collaboration across the UK rail sector.

As specialist recruiters with deep roots in rail, our membership reinforces our long-standing commitment to the industry. By joining Rail Forum, we gain access to a vibrant ecosystem of members spanning infrastructure, rolling stock, operations, consultancy, and technology. This platform allows us to contribute our expertise and stay connected with the latest developments shaping the future of rail.

Established in 1993, the Rail Forum is based in the Midlands—home to one of the largest clusters of rail businesses in the world. Its inclusive membership brings together everything from major international organisations to specialist SMEs. As new Rail Forum members, we look forward to engaging with peers, sharing insights, and forming new partnerships that benefit our clients and candidates alike.

At Advance TRS, we understand the vital role that people play in delivering complex rail projects. Our insight-led, consultative recruitment services are designed to support every stage of the project lifecycle, ensuring access to the right talent at the right time. Being part of the Rail Forum further empowers us to shape and respond to the industry’s evolving skills needs.

Advance TRS, Memberships, Certifications and Awards

We’re excited to attend upcoming events, contribute to industry discussions, and amplify the voices of those working across the rail sector. Becoming Rail Forum members is a proud step forward for Advance TRS, and one that aligns perfectly with our mission to support the UK rail industry through expertise, insight, and trusted recruitment partnerships.

If you’re attending a Rail Forum event soon, keep an eye out for the Advance TRS team — we’d love to connect!

Advance TRS Joins Rail Forum | New Rail Forum Members

In today’s competitive job market, engineering professionals need more than just experience to stand out. Employers increasingly look for top engineering certifications that validate expertise, technical skills, and compliance knowledge. Whether you’re an experienced engineer or just starting out, the right certification can significantly enhance your job opportunities, salary potential, and career growth.

Here’s a breakdown of the top engineering certifications across various disciplines, their importance, and how they can help advance your career.

1. Project Management Certifications for Engineers

PMP Certification (Project Management Professional)

The PMP Certification is one of the most recognised qualifications for project managers in engineering. It demonstrates leadership, project planning, and execution skills—critical in industries like construction, rail, energy, and infrastructure.

  • Relevance: Engineers leading large-scale projects in the built environment.
  • Career Impact: Increases chances of securing project management and leadership roles.
  • How to Get It: Requires experience in project management, plus passing a rigorous exam.

🔗 Learn more about PMP Certification.

PRINCE2 Certification

PRINCE2 is a structured project management framework widely used in UK infrastructure, construction, and engineering projects.

  • Relevance: Essential for government and public-sector projects.
  • Career Impact: Improves employability for roles in planning and project coordination.
  • How to Get It: Requires training and a certification exam.

🔗 Learn more about PRINCE2.

APM Accreditation (Association for Project Management)

For engineers looking to establish themselves in project delivery, an APM qualification demonstrates a strong foundation in project management methodologies.

  • Relevance: Recognised in construction, rail, highways, and utilities sectors.
  • Career Impact: Enhances credibility for senior project roles.
  • How to Get It: Requires completing an APM-accredited training programme.

🔗 Learn more about APM Accreditation.

2. Civil & Structural Engineering Certifications

ICE Accreditation (Institution of Civil Engineers)

An ICE accreditation is a gold standard for civil engineers working in bridges, highways, rail, and water infrastructure.

  • Relevance: Required for engineers working on major UK infrastructure projects.
  • Career Impact: Essential for progressing towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
  • How to Get It: Requires formal assessment and professional experience.

🔗 Learn more about ICE Accreditation.

IStructE Accreditation (Institution of Structural Engineers)

For those specialising in structural engineering, an IStructE accreditation enhances credibility in designing and managing building structures.

  • Relevance: Recognised in commercial, residential, and transport infrastructure.
  • Career Impact: Supports career progression towards lead structural engineer roles.
  • How to Get It: Requires professional assessment and membership application.

🔗 Learn more about IStructE Accreditation.

MCIOB (Chartered Membership of the CIOB)

The MCIOB accreditation is highly valued in construction and project management for built environment professionals.

  • Relevance: Recognised across buildings, infrastructure, and rail sectors.
  • Career Impact: Provides a pathway to senior management roles in construction.
  • How to Get It: Requires experience, a professional review, and an interview process.

🔗 Learn more about MCIOB Accreditation.

3. Engineering Software Certifications

AutoCAD Certification

AutoCAD is a critical tool for engineers, architects, and designers working on 2D and 3D modelling.

  • Relevance: Used in rail, highways, water, and energy infrastructure projects.
  • Career Impact: Increases job opportunities for design engineers and CAD technicians.
  • How to Get It: Requires completing an AutoCAD training course and certification exam.

🔗 Learn more about AutoCAD.

Primavera P6 Certification

Primavera P6 is essential for engineers managing project scheduling and cost control in construction, rail, and infrastructure.

  • Relevance: Critical for project planners and schedulers.
  • Career Impact: Improves prospects in project management and engineering consultancy.
  • How to Get It: Requires formal training and certification through Oracle.

🔗 Learn more about Primavera P6.

4. Chartered Engineering Status

CEng (Chartered Engineer Status)

Achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status is one of the highest professional recognitions in engineering. It signals expertise in design, analysis, and leadership.

  • Relevance: Required for senior engineering roles in rail, water, construction, and infrastructure.
  • Career Impact: Increases earning potential and opens doors to international job opportunities.
  • How to Get It: Requires professional qualifications, work experience, and assessment by an engineering institution.

🔗 Learn more about Chartered Engineer Status.

Why Certifications Matter in Engineering Careers

Earning industry-recognised certifications can:

  • Boost employability – Many top employers require accredited professionals.
  • Increase salary potential – Certified engineers often earn higher salaries.
  • Improve career mobility – Helps professionals transition into senior or leadership roles.
  • Ensure compliance – Many industries require engineers to meet certification standards.

At Advance TRS, we connect engineering professionals with top job opportunities in the rail, water, energy, highways, and built environment sectors. Whether you’re a project manager, civil engineer, or design specialist, we help you find the right career path.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Explore exclusive job opportunities now:
🔗 View all engineering jobs here.

In today’s competitive job market, continuous learning and professional development are key to career success. Employers across engineering, rail, and the built environment are increasingly seeking professionals with industry-recognised certifications that validate their expertise.

Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role, transition to a new sector, or future-proof your career, investing in the right certifications can set you apart. Here’s a look at the top certifications and courses for 2025 that will help boost your employability.

Why Upskilling Matters in 2025

With rapid technological advancements, regulatory changes, and evolving industry demands, professionals must stay ahead by continuously enhancing their skill sets. Certifications demonstrate your commitment to growth, improve job security, and open doors to higher salaries and better opportunities.

Top Certifications for the Engineering, Rail, and Built Environment Sectors

1. Construction & Project Management Certifications

SMSTS Certification – Essential for site managers and supervisors in construction, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

CSCS Card – Required for most construction and rail site roles, verifying competence and safety knowledge.

NEBOSH Certification – A must-have for health and safety professionals in the built environment sector.

PMP Certification – Globally recognised for project managers looking to enhance their leadership and strategic planning skills.

PRINCE2 – A structured project management approach highly valued in construction and rail industries.

2. Engineering & Technical Certifications

ICE Accreditation – Recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers, demonstrating high professional competence.

IStructE Accreditation – Essential for structural engineers, validating technical expertise and industry knowledge.

CEng Status – A prestigious designation for engineers aiming to reach senior leadership positions.

MCIOB – Chartered status for construction professionals looking to advance in management roles.

APM Accreditation – Beneficial for professionals in project and programme management roles.

3. Digital & Technical Skills Certifications

AutoCAD – Essential for engineers, architects, and designers working with CAD software.

Primavera P6 – A top-tier tool for project planning and scheduling, widely used in construction and engineering.

ISO 9001 – Demonstrates quality management expertise, essential for compliance and operational efficiency.

ISO 27001 – A must-have for professionals involved in information security and data protection.

ISO 45001 – The gold standard for occupational health and safety management systems.

RISQS Accreditation – Essential for those working in the rail supply chain, ensuring industry compliance.

4. Sustainability & Environmental Certifications

Landscape Institute Accreditation – Recognised for professionals in environmental and landscape design.

LEED Certification – Ideal for those in sustainable construction and green building projects.

BREEAM Certification – Valuable for assessing and improving the sustainability of construction projects.

How to Choose the Right Certification for You

With so many options available, selecting the best certification depends on your career goals, industry requirements, and personal development plans. Consider the following:

  • Your Current Role – Identify skills gaps and certifications that align with your responsibilities.
  • Future Career Aspirations – Choose a certification that helps you transition into higher roles.
  • Industry Demand – Research which qualifications are sought after by employers in your sector.

Check out Navigating Career Changes for more guidance on planning your career progression.

Advance Your Career with the Right Support

Staying ahead in 2025 requires continuous learning and professional development. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, transitioning into a new role, or increasing your employability, upskilling is the key to success.

Looking for your next opportunity? Browse our latest job listings or get expert career advice from our team at Advance TRS.

The Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) is an industry-leading qualification designed for project managers, supervisors, and site managers in the UK construction and infrastructure sectors. Accredited by CITB, SMSTS ensures professionals have comprehensive knowledge of health, safety, welfare, and environmental management responsibilities on site.

Industry Relevance

SMSTS certification is essential in construction, engineering, rail, energy, water, and infrastructure sectors. SMSTS-certified professionals play a crucial role in ensuring construction projects adhere to the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Benefits

  • Comprehensive Safety Knowledge: Covers all aspects of site safety management, regulatory requirements, and compliance.
  • Enhanced Employability: Highly regarded by employers, enhancing job prospects and career advancement opportunities.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensures projects meet UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines and legal standards.
  • Reduced Risk: Significantly reduces on-site hazards, incidents, and accidents, promoting safer working environments.

How to Obtain SMSTS Certification

Achieving SMSTS certification involves:

  1. Attend an Accredited SMSTS Course: Participate in a 5-day training programme from CITB-approved providers covering site management, risk assessment, legislation, and best practices.
  2. Pass the Assessment: Successfully complete a multiple-choice test at the end of the training course.
  3. Certification Validity: SMSTS certification remains valid for 5 years, after which a refresher course (SMSTS Refresher) must be completed to maintain certification.

Career Impact

Holding an SMSTS certificate significantly boosts your professional standing and opens opportunities for roles including:

  • Site Manager
  • Site Supervisor
  • Project Manager
  • Construction Manager
  • Health & Safety Manager
  • Engineering Supervisor

Why Choose Advance TRS?

Advance TRS is committed to supporting skilled professionals across engineering and infrastructure sectors. Our specialist recruitment consultants help SMSTS-qualified individuals secure rewarding roles, leveraging our extensive industry networks and personalised recruitment approach to match your expertise with leading employers.

Ready to elevate your career with SMSTS certification?

View our latest management and supervisor job listings or contact our expert recruitment team today.

Further Resources:

The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) certification is a globally recognised qualification designed for professionals working in health, safety, and environmental management. NEBOSH qualifications are highly respected across various industries, including construction, rail, energy, and infrastructure, helping professionals manage workplace safety effectively.

Industry Relevance

In sectors such as construction, engineering, rail, energy, water, and infrastructure, ensuring workplace safety and compliance is critical. NEBOSH-certified professionals play a pivotal role in maintaining robust health and safety standards, minimising workplace hazards, and ensuring legal compliance with UK health and safety regulations.

Key Benefits

  • Enhanced Safety Standards: Equip teams with advanced knowledge of health and safety management.
  • Legal Compliance – Helps organisations remain compliant with UK HSE regulations.
  • Reduced Risks & Incidents – Professionals with NEBOSH training significantly decrease workplace accidents and incidents.
  • Career Advancement – Employers highly value NEBOSH certification, making it an excellent credential for career growth and progression.

How to Obtain NEBOSH Certification

To achieve NEBOSH certification, candidates typically undertake accredited training courses, followed by rigorous examinations. Key steps include:

  1. Choosing the Right Course: NEBOSH offers various certifications, including the NEBOSH National General Certificate, NEBOSH Diploma, and specialised qualifications in areas like fire safety, construction safety, and environmental management.
  2. Completing Accredited Training: Participate in training programmes provided by NEBOSH-approved centres, which include coursework, practical assessments, and examinations.
  3. Passing Exams: Successfully complete written examinations and practical assessments to demonstrate competence and understanding of health and safety practices.

Career Impact

Earning NEBOSH certification significantly enhances your employability and credibility within your field. Roles that benefit from NEBOSH certification include:

  • Health and Safety Officer
  • Health and Safety Advisor
  • HSE Manager
  • Site Supervisor
  • Safety Manager
  • Compliance Officer

Why Choose Advance TRS?

At Advance TRS, we recognise the importance of accredited certifications like NEBOSH. Our specialist recruitment consultants connect certified health and safety professionals with leading employers across the engineering and infrastructure sectors. With our extensive industry connections, personalised support, and commitment to ethical and compliant recruitment, we ensure you find the right opportunities to leverage your NEBOSH qualification.

Ready to advance your career with NEBOSH certification?

View our latest health and safety job listings or get in touch with our team today.

Further Resources:

In today’s workplace, employee safety and well-being are top priorities. ISO 45001 is the international standard for occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems, providing a framework for businesses to ensure a safe and healthy working environment. But what exactly is ISO 45001, and why is it so crucial for businesses?

What Is ISO 45001?

ISO 45001 is the global standard for occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS). Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), it provides businesses with a structured approach to identifying, managing, and mitigating workplace risks, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and other stakeholders.

ISO 45001 helps organisations implement effective safety measures, reduce accidents and illnesses, and comply with health and safety regulations. The standard is applicable to all types and sizes of businesses across various sectors and industries.

Why Is ISO 45001 Important?

ISO 45001 accreditation brings several significant benefits to businesses:

  1. Improved Employee Safety – ISO 45001 helps businesses identify and mitigate risks to employee health and safety, reducing workplace accidents and injuries.
  2. Compliance with Legal Requirements – Achieving ISO 45001 ensures that businesses meet occupational health and safety regulations and comply with legal requirements.
  3. Increased Employee Engagement – ISO 45001 encourages employee involvement in safety processes, promoting a culture of safety and well-being within the organisation.
  4. Enhanced Reputation – Being ISO 45001 certified demonstrates your commitment to providing a safe working environment, which can improve your reputation with clients, employees, and stakeholders.
  5. Reduced Costs – By preventing accidents and illnesses, ISO 45001 helps businesses reduce medical costs, insurance premiums, and legal liabilities.

How Does ISO 45001 Accreditation Work?

To achieve ISO 45001 accreditation, businesses need to follow a structured process:

  1. Risk Assessment – Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards in the workplace and assess their impact on employee health and safety.
  2. Implement Safety Measures – Based on the risk assessment, put in place appropriate safety measures, such as training programmes, equipment, and procedures to mitigate risks.
  3. Develop an OH&S Management System (OHSMS) – Create a comprehensive management system that outlines the policies, procedures, and actions needed to manage occupational health and safety.
  4. Internal Audits – Regularly audit the OH&S management system to ensure it is effective and complies with ISO 45001 standards.
  5. Third-Party Audit – A third-party auditor will assess your OH&S management system to verify that your business meets ISO 45001 requirements. If successful, you will receive certification.
  6. Continual Improvement – Maintain ISO 45001 accreditation by continually monitoring and improving your health and safety practices.

Benefits of ISO 45001 Accreditation

Achieving ISO 45001 certification offers numerous benefits for businesses:

  1. Better Risk Management – ISO 45001 helps businesses proactively manage risks, reducing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and illnesses in the workplace.
  2. Improved Legal Compliance – ISO 45001 ensures that businesses comply with occupational health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of legal penalties.
  3. Enhanced Employee Well-Being – By prioritising employee safety, ISO 45001 fosters a healthier and more productive workforce.
  4. Reduced Costs – Reducing workplace accidents leads to lower insurance premiums, fewer compensation claims, and less downtime, helping businesses save money.
  5. Increased Business Opportunities – Many clients and partners prefer working with ISO 45001-certified businesses, as it demonstrates a commitment to employee safety and regulatory compliance.

How to Achieve ISO 45001 Accreditation

To gain ISO 45001 certification, businesses should follow these steps:

  1. Understand the Standard – Familiarise yourself with ISO 45001 and ensure your organisation has the resources and commitment to implement it.
  2. Conduct a Risk Assessment – Identify potential hazards and evaluate the risks associated with workplace safety.
  3. Implement Safety Measures and Controls – Put in place safety measures and procedures to mitigate identified risks, ensuring a safe working environment.
  4. Internal Audit and Review – Regularly audit your OH&S management system to ensure it’s effective and in line with ISO 45001 standards.
  5. Third-Party Audit – After implementing your OH&S management system, undergo a third-party audit to verify your compliance with ISO 45001.
  6. Ongoing Monitoring and Improvement – Continuously monitor and improve your health and safety practices to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 45001.

Conclusion

ISO 45001 accreditation is an essential step for businesses looking to prioritise occupational health and safety. Achieving ISO 45001 certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace, reducing risks, improving employee well-being, and enhancing overall business performance. By implementing the ISO 45001 standard, organisations can foster a culture of safety and ensure compliance with global health and safety regulations.

In today’s digital age, information security is more important than ever. Businesses across all sectors need to protect sensitive data from cyber threats, data breaches, and unauthorised access. One way to demonstrate your commitment to securing information is by achieving ISO 27001 accreditation. But what exactly is ISO 27001, and why is it so crucial for businesses?

What Is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard for information security management systems (ISMS). Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), it provides a framework for businesses to manage and protect sensitive information, ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

The ISO 27001 standard helps organisations identify potential security risks, implement controls to manage these risks, and continually improve their information security practices. Achieving ISO 27001 certification is an important step in safeguarding your organisation’s data and building trust with clients, customers, and stakeholders.

Why Is ISO 27001 Important?

Achieving ISO 27001 accreditation brings several important benefits for businesses:

  1. Enhanced Information Security – ISO 27001 provides a structured approach to managing sensitive information, reducing the risk of data breaches, cyberattacks, and other security threats.
  2. Regulatory Compliance – Many industries have strict data protection regulations, and ISO 27001 helps businesses comply with laws such as GDPR, HIPAA, and others, ensuring legal and regulatory requirements are met.
  3. Increased Trust and Credibility – Being ISO 27001 certified demonstrates to customers and partners that your business takes information security seriously. This can enhance your reputation and foster trust.
  4. Risk Management – ISO 27001 helps organisations identify potential security risks and implement processes to mitigate them, protecting both business data and client information.
  5. Competitive Advantage – In a competitive market, ISO 27001 certification sets your business apart, showing that you meet international information security standards and can be trusted to handle sensitive data.

How Does ISO 27001 Accreditation Work?

To achieve ISO 27001 accreditation, businesses must follow a set process, which typically includes:

  1. Risk Assessment – Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities to your business’s sensitive data, and assess the impact of these risks.
  2. Implement Security Controls – Based on the risk assessment, implement appropriate security measures and controls to protect sensitive information. These could include encryption, access controls, and regular security training.
  3. Develop an Information Security Management System (ISMS) – Create a comprehensive ISMS that outlines the policies, procedures, and protocols needed to ensure information security across the organisation.
  4. Internal Audits – Regularly conduct internal audits to monitor the effectiveness of your ISMS, ensuring that security controls are being followed and identifying areas for improvement.
  5. Third-Party Audit – An external auditor will assess your ISMS and security practices to verify that your organisation meets the ISO 27001 requirements. If you pass the audit, you’ll receive ISO 27001 certification.
  6. Continual Improvement – Once accredited, organisations must continually monitor and improve their information security practices to stay compliant with ISO 27001 standards.

Benefits of ISO 27001 Accreditation

Achieving ISO 27001 certification offers numerous advantages for businesses:

  1. Improved Data Protection – With ISO 27001, businesses can protect sensitive data from unauthorised access, theft, and loss, ensuring that both client and company information remains secure.
  2. Increased Client Confidence – ISO 27001 certification shows clients that their data is in safe hands. This can be a significant differentiator, especially for businesses handling sensitive customer data.
  3. Reduced Risk of Cyberattacks – By identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, ISO 27001 helps businesses implement effective security measures, reducing the likelihood of cyberattacks and data breaches.
  4. Enhanced Reputation – ISO 27001 certification enhances your organisation’s reputation by demonstrating your commitment to the highest standards of information security and data protection.
  5. Better Compliance Management – ISO 27001 ensures that businesses meet regulatory and legal requirements regarding data protection, reducing the risk of fines and penalties.

How to Achieve ISO 27001 Accreditation

Achieving ISO 27001 certification requires a well-structured approach:

  1. Understand the Standard – Familiarise yourself with ISO 27001 and its requirements. Ensure your organisation has the necessary resources and commitment to implement the standard.
  2. Conduct a Risk Assessment – Identify potential risks to your sensitive data and evaluate how they could affect your business. This will help determine the security measures you need to implement.
  3. Implement Controls and Policies – Put in place security controls and develop policies to address the identified risks, including data encryption, access management, and employee training.
  4. Internal Audit and Review – Regularly assess the effectiveness of your ISMS through internal audits and make improvements where necessary.
  5. Third-Party Audit – After preparing and implementing your ISMS, a third-party auditor will evaluate your organisation’s compliance with ISO 27001. If successful, you’ll be awarded certification.
  6. Ongoing Monitoring and Improvement – Once certified, continuously monitor your security practices and make improvements to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 27001 standards.

Conclusion

In a world where data breaches and cyber threats are increasingly common, ISO 27001 accreditation is more important than ever. Achieving certification demonstrates a business’s commitment to protecting sensitive information, meeting regulatory requirements, and fostering trust with clients and partners. By implementing the ISO 27001 standard, your organisation can reduce risks, improve security practices, and gain a competitive edge in today’s information-driven marketplace.

In the rail industry, safety, reliability, and compliance are paramount. One way businesses in the sector demonstrate their commitment to these values is through achieving RISQS accreditation. But what does RISQS accreditation mean, and why is it so important for rail suppliers and contractors? In this blog, we explore the significance of RISQS accreditation and how it benefits both businesses and their customers.

What Is RISQS Accreditation?

RISQS (Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme) is the UK’s dedicated supply chain assurance scheme for the rail industry. It is managed by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) and is designed to ensure that rail suppliers meet high standards of safety, quality, and compliance.

RISQS accreditation provides an independent, third-party validation of a supplier’s ability to deliver safe and high-quality products and services to the rail sector. The scheme covers a wide range of suppliers, including contractors, consultants, manufacturers, and service providers. By becoming RISQS accredited, a business demonstrates its commitment to the rail industry’s strict requirements and regulations.

Why Is RISQS Accreditation Important?

For businesses operating in the rail sector, achieving RISQS accreditation is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Demonstrating Safety and Compliance – The rail industry is heavily regulated, with safety being a top priority. RISQS accreditation ensures that a supplier is compliant with industry standards, reducing the risk of accidents or incidents on the tracks.
  2. Improved Reputation – Being RISQS accredited signals to potential clients and partners that your business operates to the highest safety and quality standards. This can be particularly important when bidding for contracts, as many clients require RISQS certification as a prerequisite.
  3. Competitive Advantage – In a competitive market, RISQS accreditation can set your business apart from others. It provides evidence that your business meets the strict criteria set by the rail industry, which can be a deciding factor for clients and partners when selecting suppliers.
  4. Access to More Opportunities – Many rail operators and contractors only work with RISQS-accredited suppliers. Having this accreditation opens doors to more business opportunities within the sector and ensures you are considered for contracts with major clients.
  5. Industry Recognition – RISQS accreditation is widely recognised across the rail industry. It shows that a business is committed to maintaining high operational standards, ensuring consistency, reliability, and safety in all its operations.

How Does RISQS Accreditation Work?

To gain RISQS accreditation, a company must go through a detailed assessment process. This includes:

  1. Application – The business submits an application to RISQS, providing key information about its operations, capabilities, and safety record.
  2. Audit – An independent audit is conducted to assess the company’s compliance with the safety and quality standards required by the rail industry. The audit focuses on areas such as safety management, quality control, and operational processes.
  3. Assessment of Risk – The company’s overall risk profile is evaluated, including its approach to safety, risk management, and business continuity. This ensures that the company has the necessary measures in place to mitigate potential risks.
  4. Certification – If the company successfully meets all the necessary criteria, it will be awarded RISQS accreditation. This certification is valid for a certain period and must be renewed through ongoing compliance and reassessment.

Benefits of RISQS Accreditation

Achieving RISQS accreditation comes with numerous benefits for rail suppliers and contractors:

  1. Increased Trust and Credibility – Clients and partners in the rail industry are more likely to trust a RISQS-accredited supplier. The accreditation demonstrates that a company is serious about maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.
  2. Improved Business Opportunities – Many rail operators, contractors, and manufacturers require suppliers to hold RISQS accreditation before considering them for contracts. This accreditation ensures you can access a wider range of business opportunities and tenders.
  3. Enhanced Safety Standards – The rigorous RISQS assessment process helps businesses improve their safety practices. By focusing on risk management and compliance, accredited companies are better equipped to deliver services that prioritise safety and minimise accidents.
  4. Access to a Wide Network – Being part of RISQS provides access to a vast network of rail industry professionals and stakeholders. This network can help you establish new partnerships, share industry knowledge, and stay updated on the latest trends and regulations.
  5. Continuous Improvement – RISQS accreditation is not a one-time process. To maintain certification, companies must continuously monitor their operations, improve safety practices, and adhere to evolving industry standards. This focus on continuous improvement ensures that accredited businesses stay ahead of the competition.

How to Achieve RISQS Accreditation

The RISQS accreditation process involves several key steps:

  1. Understand the Requirements – Begin by reviewing the RISQS requirements and ensuring that your business meets the necessary standards for safety, quality, and compliance.
  2. Prepare for the Audit – Conduct an internal review of your operations and safety processes to ensure they align with RISQS standards. This may include updating risk assessments, safety policies, and quality control measures.
  3. Submit Your Application – Once your business is prepared, submit an application to RISQS, providing the required documentation and details about your operations.
  4. Undergo the Audit – An independent auditor will assess your business’s compliance with the RISQS criteria. Be prepared to provide evidence of your safety practices, quality management systems, and risk mitigation strategies.
  5. Maintain Accreditation – After receiving RISQS accreditation, maintain your certification by regularly reviewing your processes and ensuring ongoing compliance with industry standards.

Conclusion

In the rail industry, RISQS accreditation is an essential step for businesses seeking to demonstrate their commitment to safety, quality, and compliance. By achieving RISQS certification, companies gain access to new business opportunities, improve their credibility, and ensure they meet the high standards required by the industry. If you’re a supplier or contractor in the rail sector, gaining RISQS accreditation could be the key to unlocking growth and success in a competitive market.

In today’s competitive business environment, maintaining high standards of quality is crucial for success. One way companies demonstrate their commitment to quality is by achieving ISO 9001 accreditation. But what exactly does ISO 9001 mean, and why is it so important for businesses across various industries?

What Is ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is an international standard for quality management systems (QMS) developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It provides a framework for businesses to ensure their products and services consistently meet customer requirements and enhance satisfaction.

First introduced in 1987, ISO 9001 has become the most widely recognised standard for quality management. The standard is applicable to all types of organisations, regardless of size or industry, making it a versatile and valuable certification for businesses around the globe.

What Does It Mean to Be ISO 9001 Accredited?

Being ISO 9001 accredited means that an organisation has demonstrated its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. This accreditation is awarded after a rigorous assessment by an independent third-party certification body, confirming that a company has implemented the necessary quality management systems and processes.

To achieve ISO 9001 accreditation, a business must comply with a set of principles, which include:

  1. Customer Focus – Organisations must ensure they meet customer needs and aim to exceed expectations.
  2. Leadership – Effective leadership is essential to creating a unified vision and setting clear objectives.
  3. Engagement of People – Employees at all levels should be involved in quality management, encouraging continual improvement.
  4. Process Approach – A process-driven approach helps businesses streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies.
  5. Improvement – Constant improvement is at the core of ISO 9001, ensuring that businesses adapt to changes and improve over time.
  6. Evidence-based Decision Making – Decisions should be based on data and factual analysis to ensure the best outcomes.
  7. Relationship Management – Building strong relationships with suppliers and partners is vital for sustained success.

Benefits of ISO 9001 Accreditation

Achieving ISO 9001 accreditation brings a host of benefits for businesses, including:

  1. Improved Customer Satisfaction – ISO 9001 helps businesses deliver products and services that consistently meet customer expectations, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  2. Increased Efficiency and Productivity – The standard promotes a structured approach to business processes, helping companies identify inefficiencies and optimise performance.
  3. Enhanced Reputation – ISO 9001 accreditation signals to customers, partners, and stakeholders that a company is committed to maintaining high-quality standards.
  4. Competitive Advantage – Being ISO 9001 accredited sets a business apart from competitors, particularly when tendering for new contracts or seeking partnerships.
  5. Employee Engagement – A focus on quality and continual improvement encourages employee involvement and motivation, leading to a more positive workplace culture.
  6. Access to New Markets – Many industries and clients require ISO 9001 accreditation as a prerequisite for doing business, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and healthcare.

How to Achieve ISO 9001 Accreditation

Achieving ISO 9001 accreditation requires careful planning and execution. The process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Gap Analysis – Conduct an initial review of your organisation’s current quality management processes to identify any gaps that need to be addressed.
  2. Implementation – Develop and implement a Quality Management System (QMS) that meets the requirements of ISO 9001.
  3. Internal Audit – Carry out an internal audit to ensure the QMS is working effectively and identify any areas for improvement.
  4. Certification Audit – An independent auditor will assess your QMS to verify compliance with ISO 9001 standards.
  5. Continuous Improvement – Once accredited, businesses must maintain their ISO 9001 certification by continuously reviewing and improving their QMS.

Why Is ISO 9001 Important for Your Business?

ISO 9001 is more than just a certification – it’s a pathway to a culture of quality and continuous improvement. With increasing customer expectations and a global marketplace, businesses that invest in quality management will be better positioned to thrive in the long term.

ISO 9001 accreditation provides credibility and demonstrates to stakeholders that your organisation is serious about maintaining the highest standards. Whether you’re a small business looking to scale or a large corporation striving for operational excellence, ISO 9001 is a valuable asset in today’s business landscape.

Conclusion

In summary, ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised standard for quality management systems that helps businesses improve processes, meet customer expectations, and achieve continual growth. Being ISO 9001 accredited means that your organisation is committed to delivering the best quality products and services, which ultimately enhances customer satisfaction and fosters business success.

If you’re looking to improve your organisation’s quality management practices and stay competitive in the marketplace, ISO 9001 accreditation is a step in the right direction.

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of the most prestigious and globally recognised credentials for project managers. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), PMP certification validates your ability to manage projects effectively, lead teams, and achieve business goals. But what exactly does PMP involve, and why should you consider getting certified?

What is PMP Certification?

PMP certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates your knowledge and competence in project management. It is based on PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and covers essential project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.

Benefits of PMP Certification

Earning a PMP certification offers numerous advantages, including:

  • Global Recognition: PMP is an internationally respected certification, recognised across industries and countries.
  • Career Advancement: PMP-certified professionals often qualify for higher salaries and senior-level roles.
  • Improved Project Success Rates: Gain expertise in project planning, execution, and risk management.
  • Stronger Professional Network: Join a global community of certified project managers.
  • Enhanced Credibility: Demonstrate your commitment to project management excellence.

How to Get PMP Certified

To earn PMP certification, you must meet eligibility requirements and pass a rigorous exam. The process includes:

  1. Meeting the Eligibility Requirements:
    • A four-year degree with three years of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education/training (or CAPM certification), OR
    • A secondary diploma with five years of project management experience and 35 hours of project management education/training (or CAPM certification).
  2. Preparing for the Exam:
    • Enroll in a PMP training course to understand key concepts and methodologies.
    • Study the PMBOK Guide and other recommended materials.
    • Take practice exams to assess your readiness.
  3. Taking the PMP Exam:
    • The exam consists of 180 questions covering project leadership, agile methodologies, and business strategy.
    • A passing score is required to earn certification.
  4. Maintaining Your Certification:
    • PMP certification requires renewal every three years through continuing professional development (60 PDUs required per cycle).

Why Choose PMP for Project Management?

PMP is one of the most sought-after certifications for project managers. It validates your skills, improves job opportunities, and provides a structured approach to managing projects in any industry. PMP-certified professionals are in high demand due to their proven ability to drive successful project outcomes.

How PMP Certification Can Benefit Your Career

Becoming PMP-certified sets you apart in a competitive job market. Whether you’re seeking a leadership role, aiming for a higher salary, or looking to transition into project management, PMP certification equips you with the skills and credentials needed to succeed.

Ready to Start Your PMP Journey?

Achieving PMP certification takes dedication, but the rewards are substantial. If you’re serious about advancing your career in project management, PMP is an excellent investment.

Explore Project Management Opportunities

If you’re looking for your next project management role, take a look at our latest job openings and see how Advance TRS can help you achieve your goals. View our latest project management opportunities here.

The Association for Project Management (APM) is the chartered body for the project profession in the UK. APM accreditation is a mark of excellence, demonstrating a commitment to professional standards, best practices, and career development in project management. But what exactly does APM accreditation involve, and why should you consider it?

What is APM Accreditation?

APM accreditation is awarded by the Association for Project Management, recognising individuals and organisations that meet high standards in project management competency. As a chartered body, APM provides a structured career path for project professionals, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage projects effectively.

Benefits of APM Accreditation

Gaining an APM qualification offers numerous advantages, including:

  • Professional Recognition: Demonstrate your expertise in project management with a globally respected accreditation.
  • Career Progression: APM qualifications open doors to senior roles and greater earning potential.
  • Enhanced Project Success: Learn industry best practices that improve project delivery and reduce risks.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with a community of project professionals and industry leaders.
  • Continuous Learning: Access resources and events to keep your skills up to date.

How to Get APM Certified

APM offers several certifications tailored to different levels of experience and expertise. These include:

  1. APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) – An entry-level certification providing a basic understanding of project management principles.
  2. APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) – A more advanced certification covering a broad range of project management knowledge.
  3. Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) – The highest level of accreditation, demonstrating extensive experience and competence in project management.

Steps to Achieve APM Accreditation

  1. Choose the Right Qualification: Assess which APM certification aligns with your career goals and experience level.
  2. Enroll in a Training Course: Take an accredited training course to prepare for the exam.
  3. Take the Exam: Successfully pass the required assessment to achieve certification.
  4. Advance Your Skills: Continue your professional development by pursuing higher-level APM qualifications or chartered status.

Why Choose APM for Accreditation?

As the only chartered body for project management in the UK, APM provides internationally recognised qualifications that enhance your credibility and employability. APM’s rigorous standards ensure that certified professionals are well-equipped to manage complex projects in any industry.

How APM Accreditation Can Benefit Your Career

Becoming APM certified not only enhances your project management skills but also gives you a competitive edge in the job market. Whether you’re an aspiring project manager or an experienced professional looking to advance, APM accreditation is a valuable asset.

Ready to Start Your APM Journey?

Gaining APM certification requires dedication, but the benefits make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking to grow your career in project management, achieving an APM qualification is a great way to stand out.

Explore Project Management Opportunities

If you’re looking for your next project management role, take a look at our latest job openings and see how Advance TRS can help you achieve your goals. View our latest project management opportunities here.

PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is one of the world’s most widely used project management methodologies. It provides a structured approach to managing projects, ensuring efficiency, organisation, and risk mitigation. But what exactly does PRINCE2 involve, and why should you consider getting certified?

What is PRINCE2?

PRINCE2 is a process-based project management methodology that offers a clear framework for managing projects of all sizes and industries. Developed by the UK government, it is now used globally by businesses, government bodies, and organisations to improve project success rates. PRINCE2 provides defined roles, responsibilities, and best practices to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard.

Benefits of PRINCE2 Certification

Gaining a PRINCE2 certification can significantly enhance your project management career by offering:

  • Globally Recognised Qualification: PRINCE2 is respected across industries worldwide.
  • Improved Project Success Rates: The structured framework helps teams manage projects effectively, reducing risks and ensuring clear objectives.
  • Career Advancement: PRINCE2 certification opens doors to higher-level roles and greater earning potential.
  • Flexible & Scalable Approach: PRINCE2 can be tailored to suit different project sizes and types.
  • Applicable to Any Industry: PRINCE2 is not industry-specific, making it useful for professionals in IT, construction, finance, healthcare, and more.

How to Get PRINCE2 Certified

There are two primary PRINCE2 certifications:

  1. PRINCE2 Foundation – This entry-level certification introduces the PRINCE2 methodology, principles, and key processes. It is suitable for individuals new to project management or those looking to understand the framework.
  2. PRINCE2 Practitioner – This advanced certification builds on the Foundation level and tests the ability to apply PRINCE2 in real-world projects. It is designed for project managers and professionals responsible for managing or directing projects.

Steps to Achieve PRINCE2 Certification

  1. Choose a Training Provider: Enroll in an accredited PRINCE2 training course, available online or in-person.
  2. Study the PRINCE2 Framework: Learn the seven principles, themes, and processes that form the methodology.
  3. Take the PRINCE2 Foundation Exam: This multiple-choice test assesses your understanding of the framework.
  4. Advance to PRINCE2 Practitioner: After passing the Foundation exam, complete the Practitioner-level exam to apply PRINCE2 to real-world scenarios.
  5. Maintain Your Certification: PRINCE2 Practitioner certification requires renewal every three years to stay valid.

Why Choose PRINCE2 for Project Management?

PRINCE2 is a structured, flexible, and scalable methodology that enhances project efficiency. Whether you’re managing a small internal project or leading a large-scale initiative, PRINCE2 provides the tools needed to deliver successful outcomes.

How PRINCE2 Certification Can Benefit Your Career

Becoming PRINCE2 certified is a smart investment for anyone in project management. It enhances your skills, increases job opportunities, and gives you a competitive edge in a fast-paced job market.

Ready to Start Your PRINCE2 Journey?

Gaining PRINCE2 certification takes dedication, but the benefits are substantial. If you’re looking to develop your project management career, PRINCE2 is a valuable qualification to have.

Explore Project Management Opportunities

If you’re looking for your next project management role, take a look at our latest job openings and see how Advance TRS can help you achieve your goals. View our latest project management opportunities here.

We are delighted to announce that Advance TRS and CITILINE have been recommended for full recertification of ISO 45001 (Health & Safety) and ISO 27001 (Information Security) following a rigorous two-day audit. Impressively, no non-conformances or areas for improvement were identified, underscoring our commitment to operational excellence.

Recruitment compliance is key to our level of service at Advance TRS

Why These Certifications Matter

Achieving ISO 45001 demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across our operations. This is vital for protecting our staff, clients, contractors, and candidates in often challenging industries such as rail, water, environment, highways, energy, and telecoms.

ISO 27001 highlights our dedication to safeguarding information and data security. In a world where data breaches and cyber threats are on the rise, this certification reassures our clients and stakeholders that their information is handled with the utmost care.

These certifications not only solidify our reputation as a trusted recruitment partner but also enable us to maintain our place on key Preferred Supplier Lists (PSLs) and frameworks. This means our clients can have confidence in our systems, processes, and ability to deliver safe, secure, and reliable services.

Advance TRS certifications and awards for the best service possible

A Team Effort

Maintaining these high standards requires hard work and collaboration. A huge thank you to everyone who works hard year-round to uphold these management systems, and to those who supported the audit process by answering questions and demonstrating our commitment to compliance.

A special congratulations goes to our Health & Safety Manager, Lauren, and our Group Business Operations Director, Ella Gardiner, for their exceptional work on our information security systems – the auditor’s positive feedback led to a reduced audit schedule, recognising the efficiency and excellence of the systems in place.

Responsibility at Advance TRS Specialist Recruiters

Looking Ahead

With this achievement secured, our focus now turns to preparing for the upcoming RISQS audit in three weeks. We remain committed to continuous improvement, ensuring we deliver the best possible service for our clients, candidates, and contractors.

If you’d like to learn more about how our certifications support our work across our sectors, head here.

Advance TRS is a proud member of the SME Climate Hub, a global initiative that empowers small to medium sized companies to take climate action and build more resilient businesses. Through the SME Climate Hub, we commit to lowering our impact on the environment through authentic action, halving our emissions by 2030. In making the commitment, we have joined the United Nations Race to Zero campaign.

At Advance TRS Ltd., we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and are committed to taking meaningful actions to address climate change. Our commitment is grounded in a set of specific goals and milestones that reflect our dedication to sustainability. By adhering to the following targets, we strive to contribute to a more sustainable future:

SME Climate Hub Membership: We have joined the SME Climate Hub, a global initiative that aligns small and medium-sized enterprises with the goals of the Paris Agreement. By doing so, we commit to actively participate in collaborative efforts to mitigate climate change and foster sustainable practices within our operations.

Signed the Climate Pledge by December 2024: By December 2024, Advance TRS Ltd. commits to signing the Climate Pledge, signaling our commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and actively working towards a sustainable and resilient future. This pledge reinforces our dedication to environmental stewardship and aligns us with global efforts to combat climate change.

Set Science-Based Targets by December 2024: We recognize the importance of sciencebased targets in driving meaningful change. By December 2024, Advance TRS Ltd. will establish and communicate science-based targets, ensuring that our emissions reduction goals are in line with what is necessary to limit global temperature rise and contribute to a low-carbon economy.

Archived ISO14001 Certification by December 2025: Environmental management is a cornerstone of our sustainability efforts. By December 2025, we commit to achieving and maintaining ISO14001 certification, demonstrating our commitment to systematically managing our environmental impact and continuously improving our environmental performance.

Achieved Carbon Neutral Status by December 2027: We understand the urgency of addressing climate change, and by December 2027, we aspire to achieve Carbon Neutral Status. Through a combination of emissions reduction measures and offsetting initiatives, we aim to balance our carbon footprint, contributing to the global effort to stabilize and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As members of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, we are working through online learning resources surrounding various sustainability, offsite, BIM, lean and management topics relevant to the built environment to further our company and staff knowledge. Our team are able to gain CPD points by attending training workshops, networking events or completing e-learning modules.

Find out more about our memberships, professional accreditations and certifications or our commitment to delivering our service responsibly.

We’re pleased to share that Advance TRS’s very own Mick Schruyers and Josh Hill have been nominated at the RailStaff Awards 2023. 

A relentless pursuit of success for our clients and candidates over the last twelve months has earnt them a total of six nominations (and counting) in this year’s Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Person of the Year category. With commendations from Babcock and VolkerRail representatives among many others, it’s an extraordinary recognition of their commitment to the industry.  

The RailStaff Awards celebrate the achievements of the very best rail veterans, from drivers to cleaners, engineers to station attendants. Bringing together some of the largest and most renowned suppliers, providers and organisations, it’s a night of recognition and of paying thanks to those who deliver the UK’s railway.  

Unlike others of its kind, the RailStaff Awards let the public have their say. The finalists for each category are whittled down by a vote. So, if you want your opinion to count, this is your chance. Vote here! 

One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a nail-biting finale for Team Advance TRS. 

Mick Schruyers, Rail Business Development and Infrastructure Director 

Mick has recently celebrated his sixth anniversary with Advance TRS. During his time with the business, he has served as Rail Infrastructure Director and Business Development Director. Renowned for his collaborative approach, Mick has nurtured close relationships with clients including Babcock. 

“Mick is the consummate professional within the rail recruitment industry, helpful, knowledgeable, quick to react and always has time for you.” 

Ashley Gierth

“I am exceptionally proud of the time, work and dedication that has been invested into our client relationships. I am even more grateful that so many of our clients have gone out of their way to nominate me for this award. It’s a real privilege.” – Mick Schruyers 

Vote for Mick! 

Josh Hill, Principal Consultant 

Josh joined Advance TRS as a Recruitment Consultant in January 2016. Now a Principal Consultant, he leads our Civils and PWays team, drawing on years of practical experience managing country-wide recruitment. 

“Josh listens to the requirements of the business. Takes time to build relationships with the clients to ensure that not only do the personnel who they forward to the business have the correct skill set, but they also are a good fit for the team.”  

Peter Blakeley

Of his nomination, Josh said “I’m very flattered to have been recognised at the RailStaff Awards alongside Mick and some other brilliant recruiters. For the last four years, my focus has been on developing Advance TRS’ strengths in Pways and Civils so that we can deliver even better results for the sector. I’m incredibly proud of everything we have achieved.” 

Vote for Josh! 

Who will come out on top? 

The RailStaff Awards are adjudicated by a panel of industry-leading figures. Judges include the Chair of IOSH Railway Group, Chairwoman of Young Rail Professionals and the Chief People Officer of Transport for London.  

With a proven track record in delivering outstanding results for our customers, we are confident that Mick and Josh both stand a good chance of bringing home gold. If you’d like to help them on their way, you can vote for Mick here, and Josh here. 

The RailStaff Awards will take place on Thursday 30th November at the NEC, Birmingham. We wish all the nominees the very best of luck.  

If you would like support in elevating your recruitment strategy, contact us today. Our award-winning team are here to help. 

Awards season continues to tilt in our favour as Advance TRS is announced as finalist in two categories at the British Recruitment Awards.

We’re delighted to have been shortlisted in two awards in the Agency Recruitment Team of the Year (<50 Employees) and Engineering Recruitment Agency of the Year categories.

This spectacular news comes after a series of nominations at the SME Surrey Business Awards.

Agency Recruitment Team of the Year (<50 Employees)

Our first-class team is made up of highly skilled, driven people. From our industry-expert recruiters to our exceptional business services colleagues, we are united by a dedication to helping people and organisations thrive. We’ve spent the last 12 years cultivating a culture which celebrates success and promotes wellbeing. It’s this approach which ensures our colleagues continue to deliver the very best results for our customers – and this nomination is testament to just that.

Engineering Recruitment Agency of the Year

Our team is strengthened by a number of industry veterans, whose first-hand experience and sector knowledge propels our customers’ individual goals. As supplier to the UK’s leading engineering organisations, we have access to the most up-to-date trends – and our clients trust that we know what’s best for them.

Good luck to all involved

The British Recruitment Awards are adjudicated by some of the most prestigious figures in the UK market. This year saw a 40% increase in the number of organisations nominated, making our nomination news even more of a privilege.

Congratulations to our brilliant team, whose unparalleled commitment, expertise and passion are to thank for this incredible achievement.

The awards ceremony will take place on 8th November. Until then, we’re keeping everything crossed.

Are you looking to elevate your recruitment strategy? Contact us today to see how we can support your business.

Awards season is off to a good start for Advance TRS after receiving two nominations at the Surrey SME Business Awards.

We’re back and (we would argue) better than ever, thanks to the hard work of our first-class team. Last time Advance TRS attended the SME Surrey Business Awards, we took home gold for High Growth and as Overall Winner. This year, our achievements are being recognised in the Business of the Year (Less than 50 Employees) and Employer of the Year categories.

The awards celebrate the very best businesses in the county and are a veritable endorsement of success. The judges look for organisations who “show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination” – and we think we that summarises Advance TRS quite nicely.

Investing in our people, for your people

As specialists in the provision of top talent, we recognise that diverse, motivated and empowered staff are the key to success. As such, we value and invest in our people — after all, without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Our employee package strives to set the standard for workplace health and well-being, not just within the county but on a national scale. In the last year, we’ve gone above and beyond our statutory obligations to deliver uplifted benefits for our team. This approach ensures we form the strongest relationships, perform the best we possibly can, and deliver high quality results for our candidates and clients time and time again.

An outstanding achievement

Of the nomination, Founder and Managing Director, Andy Ridout said:

“These awards nominations are testament to the incredible work that the Advance TRS team are doing — for our customers and to making the UK’s built environment more diverse and inclusive than ever before. I am exceptionally proud of them and the milestones that we’ve reached in the last twelve months and can’t wait to celebrate alongside Surrey’s finest in November!”

May the best business win

Congratulations to our brilliant team, whose unwavering dedication has delivered the greatest possible results for our customers and the business.

The SME Surrey Business Awards will take place on 22nd November at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

The very best of luck to all involved. You can view a list of finalist here.

If you think you’d benefit from our expertise, why not get in touch? We’d love to hear from you.

Our Rail & Client Director Sam Jennings has been nominated for the RailStaff charity award! Due to his brilliant work throughout the year, he went that extra mile to raise awareness and has been a vital part of raising over an amazing £85,000 for Charity at Advance TRS.

Please show your support for Sam and his continuing efforts by voting for him on the RailStaff Award website.

RailStaff awards will be shutting their voting panel on the 16th of October, so we ask you kindly to cast your votes in as soon as you can!

Ella Gardiner, Marketing Director shares Sam’s dedication to charity work and impact on the Company:

“Sam has been an active member of the Advance TRS team promoting our values and taking on personal challenges to raise money and awareness for charities. Previously Sam completed the London Marathon raising over £2,500 for Action for Children. He has also taken part in Movember, Macmillian Coffee Mornings, our Advance TRS Golf Day for Rail Aid, and the numerous walking and triathlon challenges we have completed as a business. Since joining the business 8 years ago Sam has played a key role in raising over £65,000 in total for various charities”

This October, Sam will be taking part in Railway Children’s Ride Vietnam Challenge. As a novice cyclist, Sam will be confronting a challenging 450km cycle across 7 days in 30 degrees, on a (barely used) bike!

Sam Jennings progresses in his training for Railway Children’s Ride Vietnam Challenge

So far Sam has completed over 500 miles of training in the saddle, with 340 miles traveled through a very hot July! There is a lot of water, sun cream, and only the one puncture to date to report as Sam hits the halfway mark on his donations target and only 2 months to go! In the next few weeks, Sam faces a step up in training with 100 miles a week to complete.

The trip itself will see Sam spend between six and eight hours in the saddle each day, traveling across waterways and plantations on unpaved and dusty roads, slightly different surfaces to the hills he will be training on but all part of the challenge for a true bike novice!

“Having never previously ridden a bike without balancing a child on the back, it seemed like a great opportunity to take on a huge personal challenge and raise money that will go to support some of the most vulnerable children in the world”

Shares Sam Jennings

Sam is fundraising for his Railway Children’s Ride Vietnam Challenge . We are just 7% away from reaching our target of £3500! We are extremely grateful for any donations towards reaching our goals for such an excellent cause, for this occurrence, and for all previous fundraising events throughout the year!

More About Railway Children:

Children run away or are forced to leave homes where they suffer poverty, violence, abuse, and neglect. They find themselves living on the streets because there is nowhere else to go and nobody to turn to. Railway Children work to reach children as soon as they arrive on the streets and intervene before an abuser can.

We’re delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for the Perkbox Workplace Culture Awards, which recognise the businesses who go above and beyond to ensure employees are happy in their work-life balance. 

Please vote for us in the medium-sized category of the awards

As recruiters we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business and creating a fantastic working environment is one of our top priorities. 

The positive mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues are of high importance to our board and senior management team and we have therefore committed significant time as a business to ensure all employees feel supported and can access help.

We have appointed two trained Mental Health First Aiders and provide a Wellbeing Hub on our Intranet, offering impartial and confidential support via a 24-hour counselling helpline. We also run quarterly Workshops with all staff to increase general awareness, explaining what support is available and highlighting different methods of self-help or wellness techniques for everyday living.

The comprehensive benefits and rewards package we offer to our staff includes a private company pension scheme, a premium-free Group Private Medical Insurance plan and access to our exciting perks and discounts platform facilitated by Perkbox, amongst other things. 

To find out more about Advance TRS and what our colleagues think, watch this short video or take a look at our website.

If you want to take the next step in your career look no further, Advance TRS are hiring! We are always looking for talented and motivated individuals, as part of our business’s strategic talent acquisition programme. Whether you are an entrepreneurial individual, established recruitment team or small businesses with shared values, we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in joining Advance TRS’s recruitment teams or business support staff in our Port Solent or Guildford offices, contact Paul Metcalfe for a discrete conversation on 07793 55 413 or apply online.

Advance TRS are delighted to be shortlisted as Finalists in the Property Management Awards 2019 for the Recruitment Company of the Year Award.

The team are delighted to be recognised for their dedication to delivering premium quality recruitment solutions to their clients and candidates alike.

Our property services recruitment experts have first-hand experience within the sector, where they gained the very best knowledge of the roles they recruit for and the challenges clients and candidates face. This first-hand experience allows us to fully qualify our candidates, ensuring they only put forward the very best calibre.

Group Founder and Managing Director, Andy Ridout explains;

“The team is committed to finding only the best candidates for our clients and ensure they are carefully qualified and suitable for the relevant role. I’m absolutely delighted to see the team’s hard work and efforts recognised in the Property Management Awards shortlist.”

The rapidly growing recruitment company, specialising in the provision of highly-skilled technical professionals for the built environment employs some of the industry’s most experienced professionals and MD Andy plans to more than double the workforce in the next couple of years and open offices in further locations.

Whilst continuing to grow and improve the business, Advance TRS maintain committed to providing excellent customer service to both candidates and clients alike. With business development plans firmly rooted in our five Core Values of Quality, Commitment, Integrity, Honesty and Loyalty, Advance TRS aims to continue this pattern of growth whilst maintaining our strong reputation as dependable, effective and honest.

“Advance TRS’ success has proven that hard work and a dedication to delivering excellent service pays off” Andy explains.

“Now, the team and I continue to be more motivated than ever and are excited for what the future brings.”

If you’re a driven individual who likes to contribute to their brand’s success then we’d love to hear from you. Advance TRS is growing quickly, so we are always looking for new people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

Technical recruitment agency Advance TRS are delighted to be shortlisted as Finalists in the Solent Business Awards 2019 for the Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing Award. 

As a recruitment business operating within the built environment our employees, contractors and client contracts are working in, statistically, some of the most challenging and stress-inducing environments.

Group Founder and Managing Director, Andy Ridout explains;

“We take our duty of care seriously, investing heavily in building awareness of Mental Health to best support staff and contractors to spot signs of difficulty in themselves and others and ensuring they have the support they need to get help. I’m delighted to see these efforts recognised in the Solent Business Awards shortlist.”

The rapidly growing recruitment company opened offices on the South Coast in 2018, headed up by Water & Infrastructure Director Rob Kelly, formerly of Matchtech. The South Coast office, with views over the sea, is Advance TRS’s latest addition as part of the company’s overall acquisition and expansion strategy and has already grown rapidly, employing more people from the local area. 

Our Marketing & Development Manager, Ella Gardiner champions the business’s Employee Engagement and Wellbeing programme and acts as a go-to person for anyone in the business seeking advice or guidance on how to access further support, or who simply needs to speak to a listening ear. As our Mental Health First Aider, Ella is there to listen to employees, offer support and signpost to methods of self-help or professional support services.

“As we start out in our journey of promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing as a business, this acknowledgement of the work, time and money we have invested so far in our team is really exciting” explains Ella. 

To find out more about Advance TRS’s Mental Health & Wellbeing programme follow us on social media or visit the Advance Advice blog.

If you are looking for a new move in your career look no further, Advance TRS are hiring! We are always looking for talented and motivated individuals, as part of our business’s strategic talent acquisition programme. Whether you are an entrepreneurial individual, established recruitment team or small businesses with shared values, we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in joining Advance TRS’s recruitment teams or business support staff in our Port Solent or Guildford offices, contact Paul Metcalfe for a discrete conversation on 07793 55 413 or apply online at www.advance-trs.com.

Click here to view our CV tips and Click here to download our FREE CV template.

We are delighted to announce that for the fourth year running, Advance TRS have successfully passed the Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) Audit and retained the 5 star status.

Our compliance team work tirelessly all year round to ensure we follow best practice at all times and that all our processes and procedures are current. This latest accreditation recognises our ongoing commitment to excellence in all our systems and procedures.

Working in a number of safety critical engineering sectors, we have a robust compliance management system that is structured with very clear processes and procedures. This system has been developed to deliver the ongoing management of individual competencies held by external workers, as well as supporting the requirements of each industry sector’s specific standards and scheme requirements.

This compliance procedure incorporates a bespoke database that highlights renewals of qualifications, supplier certificates and competencies. The continued management of this area of our business is essential when supplying workers to industries where safety is foremost in everyone’s daily working lives.

“RISQS is the single entry point for suppliers to the rail industry and as a ‘5 Star’ RISQS accredited supplier to the rail industry, we believe that we all have a responsibility to deliver a professional service that meets continues to achieve and exceed the industry standards” explains Group Operations Director Paul Merton.

“This is a fantastic achievement and we are immensely proud of the whole team who work hard all year round to maintain our trademark top quality service.”

We are delighted to announce that Advance TRS has passed the ISO 27001 audit, a certificate issued by a UKAS accredited certification body, ACS Registrars.

ISO 27001 is a certification for an information security management system (ISMS).

In line with the new GDPR guidelines, we are extremely proud to have passed this audit to show that we handle personal data on a professional level.

The benefits of ISO 27001

Implementing an information security management system provides us with a system that will help to eliminate or minimise the risk of a security breach, that could have legal or business continuity implications.

An effective ISO 27001 information security management system (ISMS) provides a management framework of policies and procedures that will keep your information secure, whatever the format.

By establishing and maintaining a documented system of controls and management, risks can be identified and reduced.

Achieving ISO 27001 certification shows that we have:

  • Protected information from getting into unauthorised hands
  • Ensured information is accurate and can only be modified by authorised users
  • Assessed the risks and mitigated the impact of a breach
  • Been independently assessed to an international standard based on industry best practices

ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that we have identified the risks, assessed the implications and put in place systemised controls to limit any damage to our organisation.

Benefits include:

  • Increased reliability and security of systems and information
  • Improved customer and business partner confidence
  • Increased business resilience
  • Alignment with customer requirements
  • Improved management processes and integration with corporate risk strategies

Achieving ISO 27001 is not a guarantee that information breaches will never occur, however by having a robust system in place, risks will be reduced and disruption and costs kept to a minimum.

We would like to say a big well done to our team for all their efforts towards being able to achieve this accreditation!

To see our latest Rail, Construction, Water, Utilities or Property jobs, click here.

We are delighted that our Property Services Director, Alan Durrant has been featured in News on the Block’s Hot 100 List 2018.

The Annual Hot 100 List, published by Property Services Sectors leading publication, details the leading individuals working in the Property Services Sector.

Since establishing, Advance TRS’s Property Services division has grown from strength to strength. This is largely due to sector Director Alan’s singular commitment to delivering top quality customer service. Our growing Property Services team all have previous experience working within the sector they now recruit for. These personal experiences of the roles, give them a full understanding of the experience, skills and personality traits required for success in the industry.

Alan Durrant, Director Property Services

Alan’s experience in recruitment and as a Property Manager brings him to the top of his game. He quickly identifies the best candidates for any role by understanding exactly what both the clients and candidates need. Testimonials prove he is a polite, hard-working, skilled communicator and acts with the utmost professionalism. He is extremely informative, reliable and has a personable approach. No problem is ever too much and he always gives 100% service.

Get your hands on the special Hot 100 feature from News On The Block and check out our latest Property Services Vacancies online here.

We are thrilled to announce that Advance TRS have taken home both awards in which we were shortlisted for at the Toast Of Surrey Awards last week! The awards took place at Mercedes-Benz World In Weybridge, starting off with dinner and drinks, followed by the awards. It was a brilliant evening and the team were left celebrating until the early hours of the morning!

We are a Surrey based company with a head office in central Guildford, who started off recruiting in the Rail Industry 6 years ago and now pride ourselves in being specialist recruiters in Rail, Water & Utilities, Property, and Construction.

Our leadership team is extremely important to the company. Andy Ridout started the company on his own, and we now have six Board Directors, four Sales Directors and seven Senior Management Team. A very rapid growth which has given us many opportunities throughout the company as the expertise of every director and manager has driven us to grow as a whole company.

We are always on the lookout for the right people to join our team and to support our business and help it to thrive. Our consultants are expertly trained and have extensive experience in sourcing and managing contract workers and permanent recruitment. We also support our employees with qualifications and training and have our own in-house Training and Development Director.

We have some great company-wide incentives in order to attract and retain the very best staff and we have a comprehensive staff benefits and rewards package including, uncapped commission, pension scheme, premium free group private medical insurance plan, perks and discounts platform facilitated by Perkbox including things such as free coffee, cheaper cinema ticket, free phone insurance, discounts at high street and online shops and restaurants and many more. We like to celebrate success and have company activities and drinks when we hit targets and hit milestones, this is often Bowling followed by drinks at our local independently run bar. We like to celebrate big when we achieve quarterly targets and have been power-bating down the Thames, Junkyard Golf, Climbing the O2 and Airhop to date!

If you are interested in joining Surreys Employer of the Year, please contact our Internal Recruitment Manager, Neil,  nw@advance-trs.com or use the contact us page by clicking here.

We are delighted to announce that Advance TRS have been shortlisted as Finalists for the Toast of Surrey Business Awards in two categories; Employer of the Year and Leadership Team of the Year!

The Toast of Surrey Business Awards aim to celebrate success, recognise achievement and highlight the innovative people and companies throughout Surrey who are putting their region on the map by boosting the economy while making a positive contribution to the local community.

Employer of the Year

As a recruitment business ourselves, we understand just how important it is to find the right people to grow your business. With this in mind, we are always on the lookout for the right people to support our business to thrive. Our core values, commitment to quality customer service and company culture is extremely important to our team, from the bottom up, so the cultural fit is an essential element of our recruitment process.

In order to attract and retain the very best staff, Advance TRS have a comprehensive staff benefits and rewards package. To name a few, we offer an uncapped commission scheme, a private company pension scheme matching employee contributions up to 3%, access to medical and life insurances and access to our exciting perks and discounts platform including things such as discounted cinema tickets, free coffees, free phone insurance and discounts at hundreds of restaurants and high street stores.

We believe in rewarding the whole team when the sales team succeed, which is why we take the whole team out for joint celebrations when we hit big targets, often bowling followed by drinks in our local independently run bar. When we hit quarterly and yearly targets, the whole business heads out for a celebration. These are usually held on an afternoon and they have included activities like climbing the O2, power-boating down the Thames, Junkyard Golf and Airhop.

We also have a Summer conference every year which gives the directors a chance to update the whole business on new developments, business growth plans and successes from the year and also includes a fun team building element in the afternoon.

We have a Christmas Party every December. In previous years these have been held at local venues including Mercedes Benz World, G Live and the Mandolay Hotel to name a few. The party includes an all expenses paid meal, drinks and live entertainment.

Every Friday all staff are invited to join directors in our local bar for a round of drinks on the business. This is a great opportunity to build relationships in different parts of the business that you may not work so closely with and is a great way to blow off steam from a busy week!

Leadership Team of the Year

Over the past 6 years, the company and Board of Directors has grown rapidly and the senior management team has welcomed an Operations Director, Head of Training and Development, Non-Executive Director and most recently a new Chief Executive Officer working alongside the Finance Director and Founder/Managing Director, Andy Ridout. We have expanded into new sectors more recently and we also now have Directors for each sector that we recruit in. These Include a Rail Director, Water and Utilities Director, Property Services Director and an Infrastructure Director. We also have a key management team, including a Marketing Manager, Compliance Manager, Group Accounts Manager and an Accounts Manager and an Administration Manager, who all make up our management and senior management team.

Andy Ridout, Founder and Managing Director says “I am incredibly proud and thrilled that Advance TRS has been recognised for all the hard work and commitment it invests in both its staff and clients alike.”

Andy leads the company to strive for the top and has always had as a priority, the recruitment of the best people to allow the company to Advance. He has built an exceptional team of consultants who, having benefited from his experience and work ethos are fast becoming well-known for their own highly respected recruitment capabilities.

We understand that talented and motivated staff are key to any successful business. To help our team become the best they can be, we provide invaluable mentoring through our Training and Development Director, who works with each employee to establish bespoke development plans and sets clear objectives to support each team member to excel.

The team will be attending the Awards Presentation at Mercedes Benz World on Wednesday 27th June. It will be a celebration of the county’s best companies and a reminder that Surrey is a great place to do business.

These are the aspects of the business that we believe have enabled us to be shortlisted for these Toast of Surrey Business Awards and we are very much looking forward to meeting lots of other successful businesses on the night of the presentations.

Pick up your copy of the Surrey Mirror this Thursday 14th June to see full details on all the finalists!

Our Water Team at Advance TRS attended the Water Industry Achievement Awards at The Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham on Monday 21st May.

This event is a great occasion where all of the water companies come together to celebrate all the achievements in the water industry over the last year, with the opportunity to enter your own company for different categories to prove that you are the best in that area. The categories covered all areas including Customer Service, Drainage and Flood Prevention, Energy and Carbon, Water resilience, Engineering Projects, Most innovative use of an existing technology, Most Innovative New Technology of the year and so on. Of course, there were some overall awards which were Water Company of the year and Water Industry Contractor of the Year. There was a record-breaking number of entries and you can see the full list of winners here.

The awards night consisted of a drinks reception from 7pm followed by a 3 course meal and the awards. We sat with representatives from Severn Trent Water and a partner of theirs, Malvern Panalytical who were jointly nominated for an award – which they won! Congratulations to them and all of the winners! The night ended with a charity casino followed by drinks at the bar until the early hours of the morning.

This event was a brilliant opportunity to see this industry link together to celebrate all of it’s amazing achievements over the last year and to see how much hard work goes into each part of the water industry. It’s an excellent networking event and an all round great evening.

The team also went to Utility Week Live the next day which was at the NEC in Birmingham. This event includes a hall of company stands within the utilities industry, including green energy, utility providers, tech companies and various equipment manufacturers and more. The chance to explore the opportunities and threats of disruptive technologies and business models and of course, networking with 3,000+ utility industry colleagues and contacts. There was ongoing seminars for all the sectors and these along with the Keynote Speakers were also very interesting and it was brilliant to meet some of the VIPs of the day.

These two days were great for our Water Team and it was all very enjoyable and a great way to do some team bonding. We hope to catch up with the new people and companies that we met soon!

We are delighted to announce that for the third year running Advance TRS has successfully passed the Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) Audit and retained the 5 star status with no observations, no non-conformances and top marks in all areas.

Our compliance team work tirelessly all year round to ensure we follow best practice at all times and that all our processes and procedures are current. This latest accreditation recognises our ongoing commitment to excellence in all our systems and procedures.

Working in a number of safety critical engineering sectors, we have a robust compliance management system that is structured with very clear processes and procedures. This system has been developed to deliver the ongoing management of individual competencies held by external workers, as well as supporting the requirements of each industry sector’s specific standards and scheme requirements.

This compliance procedure incorporates a bespoke database that highlights renewals of qualifications, supplier certificates and competencies. The continued management of this area of our business is essential when supplying workers to industries where safety is foremost in everyone’s daily working lives.

“RISQS is the single entry point for suppliers to the rail industry and as a ‘5 Star’ RISQS accredited supplier to the rail industry, we believe that we all have a responsibility to deliver a professional service that meets continues to achieve and exceed the industry standards” explains Group Managing Director Andy Ridout.

“This is a fantastic achievement and we are immensely proud of the whole team who work hard all year round to maintain our trademark top quality service.”

The industry’s fastest growing recruitment company Advance-TRS collected the High Growth Award and were selected as Overall Winner of the SME Surrey Business Awards at an Awards Dinner in Epsom on Wednesday night.

The Surrey-based company has achieved phenomenal growth in their first 5 years and were thrilled to be unanimously voted winners of the ‘Enterprise M3 Growth Hub – High Growth Award’ by a panel of local business leaders and chosen as the Overall Winner on the night.

“Winning the High Growth Award was a fantastic achievement recognising the whole team’s hard work over the past 5 years. To be chosen as the Overall Winner of the SME Awards in such a vibrant region for business is a huge compliment and really was the cherry on top of a fantastic evening” said Group Managing Director Andy Ridout.

In the last year alone the company has nearly doubled in size, expanding their admin, finance, marketing, compliance and sales teams. In order to accommodate this extraordinary growth, the team recently celebrated an office expansion which has nearly doubled their office space, spanning two large floors in central Guildford.

All of this has been achieved whilst maintaining a singular dedication to excellent customer service. Following a collaborative consultation process with directors and staff, the company’s Core Values of Quality, Commitment, Integrity, Honesty and Loyalty were rolled out at this year’s Annual Summer Conference.

With business development plans firmly rooted in these five principles, Advance-TRS aims to continue this pattern of growth whilst maintaining their strong reputation as dependable, effective and honest.

Advance-TRS’s high standards have also been recognised by a number of awards and qualifications, operating ISO 9001 certification, the world’s most popular quality management system, achieving OHSAS 18001, the internationally recognised hallmark for occupational health and safety management best practice and placing as a finalist in the coveted Recruitment Excellence category at the 2016 UK Rail Industry Awards.

“Together, we can all advance.”

We are delighted to announce Advance-TRS have been shortlisted as finalists for the Enterprise M3 Growth Hub High Growth Award in this year’s SME Surrey Business Awards.

“This nomination is a fantastic recognition of the whole team’s commitment and drive to succeed which has enabled the business to grow at such an exceptional rate over the past 5 years. I am so proud of the whole team who have made this amazing growth possible” explains Advance-TRS Group Managing Director, Andy Ridout.

Be part of our success by searching our latest vacancies, or contact us for more information on how we can help your business find the right staff.

“Together we can all advance”

Advance Training & Recruitment Services has been shortlisted as one of five finalists for the ‘Recruitment Excellence’ award at this year’s UK Rail Industry Awards.

Advance Training & Recruitment Services is a specialist niche provider of talented rail professionals to some of the UK’s biggest infrastructure companies. Advance-TRS offer a specialist and tailored recruitment service, utilising expert consultants within a number of key disciplines from signalling and telecommunications, to permanent way and electrification.

Over the last 12 months, the rail recruitment consultancy has grown at a phenomenal pace. Year-on-year, contract revenue has grown 55% whilst permanent revenue has seen a rise of more than 48% in the same period. In that time, Advance has achieved preferred supplier status with a number of new clients across the industry and has helped hundreds of talented rail professionals find work on some of the UK’s biggest projects, including Crossrail and the National Electrification Programme.

Following the large increase in turnover, Advance was inducted into the Recruitment International Top 500; an annual report of the UK’s highest grossing recruitment companies. The increased demand from clients has prompted a large-scale recruitment campaign for talented recruiters and aspiring resourcers, with the company having even hired an internal recruiter to help cope with the burgeoning demand.

The consultancy has also gone above and beyond in its commitment to improving the operations behind the scenes. In June Advance became ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 accredited following many months of stringent reviews into their policies, procedures and objectives. After a rigorous audit, the consultancy also became a fully qualified member of the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), a recruitment trade body that prides itself on representing companies on the frontier of recruitment excellence.

Managing Director of Advance-TRS, Andy Ridout is delighted with the shortlisting. “This nomination is a testament to the solidarity, commitment and hard work that our team has put in over the last 12 months. Their efforts have seen us catapulted into becoming one of the UK’s fastest growing recruitment companies and I’m thrilled to see their efforts being formally recognised at such a prestigious awards show.”

The winners will be announced at the 2016 UK Rail Industry Awards on 11th February 2016 at the Battersea Evolution.

“Together, we can all advance.”

Rail recruitment specialists, Advance Training & Recruitment Services have successfully achieved ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 certification; a major milestone for the consultancy.

Almost a year’s worth of hard work has been put into the development of the company’s policies and procedures in order to continually improve the service and value offered to its clients and candidates.

ISO 9001 is the globally recognised hallmark for robust quality management systems, designed to help organisations successfully meet the needs of their various stakeholders. The certification signifies a responsibility for providing outstanding business practices, excellent customer service and improved operational performance.

OHSAS 18001 is a framework for occupational health and safety management systems which exhibits Advance-TRS’ continued focus on workplace health & safety. This accreditation certifies that Advance-TRS has a system in place to fully identify and control health and safety risks in the workplace; reducing the potential for future accidents and illnesses whilst demonstrating due diligence to its clients.

“We are delighted to have been awarded ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 certification after months of hard work from everyone here at Advance-TRS. We are always looking for ways in which to further develop and improve our service offering to both our candidates and clients and these awards will go a long way to demonstrating that,” says Operations Director, Paul Merton.

“Our team is dedicated to providing a first-class recruitment service and these awards will help formalise the ‘client-first’ approach that we are so proud to offer.”

Carried out by ACS Registrars, one of the UK’s premier certification bodies, the extensive assessment required Advance-TRS to pass a stringent review of their policies, procedures and processes.

In the last year, Advance-TRS also successfully achieved a maximum 4-star RISQS accreditation and became a fully-audited member of APSCo, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies. These accreditations illustrate the importance advance-TRS puts on safety and compliance, whilst ensuring they remain at the forefront of recruitment excellence.

“It’s a really exciting time for Advance-TRS given our extraordinary growth over the last few years and the strides we are making in improving what goes on behind the scenes,” says Merton.

“Together, we can all advance.”

Advance-TRS are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s UK Rail Industry Awards taking place on 19th February 2015.

Held at London’s prestigious Battersea Evolution, the UK Rail Industry Awards is an annual gathering of the UK’s top decision makers, aimed at celebrating the efforts and achievements of the rail industry throughout 2014.

Hosted by comedian Miles Jupp, with keynote speaker Peter Wilkinson, Managing Director – Passenger Services, Rail Executive at the Department for Transport; this year’s event is expected to draw an audience of more than 1000 guests.

“The UK Rail Industry Awards has fast become a staple in the rail industry calendar and is a fantastic occasion to recognise and reward the outstanding work that goes into all aspects of the rail industry,” says Managing Director, Andy Ridout. “We are very proud to sponsor such an important event and look forward to the night’s festivities.”

Andy is one of the evening’s speakers and is using the opportunity to raise awareness for his upcoming Mount Everest Base Camp trek in aid of Railway Children. The Everest Base Camp trek is just one of three fundraising challenges Andy is undertaking in 2015, for more information visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyRidout

The UK Rail Industry Awards kick off on the 19th February 2015 at the Battersea Evolution. For more information, visit www.ukria.com

Advance Training & Recruitment Services, the rail industry’s recruitment experts, are proud to have achieved Achilles RISQS certification (formerly known as Link-Up), enabling the consultancy to supply the rail industry with skilled engineers and construction contractors.

RISQS is the rail industry’s supplier registration and qualification scheme. Suppliers are required to undergo a rigorous pre-qualification and auditing process, qualifying them to more than a hundred industry buyers including Network Rail and Transport for London (TfL).

Advance-TRS were awarded a 4-star passing grade by Achilles, the highest possible grade for an organisation in the primary year of the new audit scheme. Now in it’s fourth year of trading, the Surrey-based rail recruitment consultancy turns over in excess of £7 million per year and employs an experienced team of 15 staff.

“This is an excellent achievement for the company in a year where both the RISQS and Rail Sentinel schemes have undergone significant changes” says Operations Director, Paul Merton. “We were delighted to have become members of APSCo earlier in 2014 and we now move into 2015 with a robust focus on operational safety and compliance with an aim to have achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 18001 accreditation by the end of the first quarter.”

We are proud to announce that Advance-TRS’ very own Daniel Forth-Rumley and Andy Ridout have been selected as finalists at this year’s RailStaff Awards.

Daniel Forth-Rumley has been shortlisted for the Recruiter of the Year award for his efforts in supplying engineers to multiple projects on the National Electrification Programme. Since taking over the electrification, permanent way and civils desk 6 months ago, Daniel has made incredible strides for his clients and candidates, placing more than 15 skilled electrification engineers in a discipline that is facing a 10-fold staff shortage.

Meanwhile, Andy Ridout, Managing Director of Advance-TRS has been nominated for the ‘Dave Maidment Award for Charity’ by Dave Ellis, Corporate Partnerships Manager at esteemed children’s charity Railway Children.

Andy’s nomination is a result of the continued fundraising, awareness and new corporate relationships that he has generated for Railway Children over the last few years. In September 2013, Andy famously took part in an Ironman triathlon, raising and incredible £12,777 for the children’s charity. This year, he teamed up with Operations Director, Paul Merton to take on the first stage of the Tour de France in Yorkshire raising a further £745.

Advance Training & Recruitment Services has also been nominated by one of its contractors for the ‘Best Rail Professional Recruitment Company’ accolade at the RailStaff Awards’ sister competition, the Railway People Awards. Click here to nominate Advance-TRS today.

The RailStaff Awards kick off on the 25th of October. The best of luck goes out to Daniel, Andy and the rest of this year’s finalists.

Advance Training & Recruitment Services, the recruitment specialists for the rail industry, are pleased to announce that they have been awarded membership to APSCo – the Association of Professional Staffing Companies.

APSCo is the trade body dedicated to representing the interests of UK-based recruitment organisations. They offer industry insights and business intelligence on top of providing a cohesive voice on behalf of its members, in response to forthcoming legislation and European Union directives.

A lengthy and rigorous auditing process which demands the highest standards is required to become an APSCo member, necessitating the provision of detailed financial information, references from clients and candidates as well as an acceptance of APSCo’s strict code of practice.

Advance-TRS’ APSCo membership is a badge of quality, ensuring that both candidates and clients alike are represented by an organisation on the frontier of recruitment excellence.

“We are always looking at ways of increasing our value proposition to both our clients and candidates.” says Paul Merton, Operations Director at advance Training & Recruitment Services.

“Our membership with APSCo will enable us to strengthen our competitive advantages with access to vital business information and market research, whilst providing us with that seal of quality which will prove invaluable for years to come.”

To find out more about how we can work alongside your business to facilitate your recruitment needs, call advance Training & Recruitment Services today on 01483 361 061

This is an award for an Individual with collaboration or acumen to achieve initiatives which benefit the industry. They will have had a significant impact over the course of last year and will have demonstrated longer term success in HR, Recruitment or Training and the Rail industry as a whole which will resonate for many years.

The person could demonstrate:
•    Effective communication at all levels
•    Evidence of going that extra mile
•    Delivery of innovative  initiatives
•    Role model behaviours
•    Efficiency and effectiveness at the heart of everything they do
•    Thorough understanding of Rail today and be future focussed

Click here to nominate or view the worthy candidates.

This is an award for an iIndividual with collaboration or acumen to achieve initiatives which benefit the industry. They will have had a significant impact over the course of last year and will have demonstrated longer term success in HR, recruitment or training and the rail industry as a whole which will resonate for many years.

The person could demonstrate:

  • Effective communication at all levels
  • Evidence of going that extra mile
  • Delivery of innovative  initiatives
  • Role model behaviours
  • Efficiency and effectiveness at the heart of everything they do
  • Thorough understanding of Rail today and be future focussed

Click here to nominate or view the worthy candidates.

Andy Ridout, Managing Director of niche railway recruitment company, Advance-TRS has been recognised for his services to recruitment through a nomination for RailStaff’s Recruiter of the Year awards.

Chris Darlow, Operations Director at Rail – Kelly Integrated Transport Services Ltd commented;

“It is with great pleasure that I nominate Andy Ridout for the recruiter of the year award 2012. I have known Andy for a long time and have no doubt that his commitment and dedication to the rail industry over his 16-year long career has been second to none.”

Andy started out as a young Trainee Recruitment consultant to a large agency; there, he quickly worked his way up to Director Level where he specialised in Signalling and remained the company’s top consultant for over fourteen years.

After countless recruitment campaigns for the majority of the UK’s rail organisations, Andy finally took the big decision to set up his own international railway recruitment firm and in August 2011 launched Advance-TRS.

After twelve months, a colossal amount of hard work and very long hours, Advance-TRS are now recognised as experts in supplying the complete range of permanent and contract, blue and white collar staff throughout the industry and have grown from a two man band to employing twelve full-time members of staff, this in the midst of a recession that has impacted the entire globe.

Despite a very hectic work schedule, Andy enjoys nothing more than spending time with his partner and three children who are the inspiration for his latest campaign; in August next year Andy will be attempting Dartmoor’s ‘Xtreme  Ironman’, in the hope of raise £10,000 for Railway Children. The amazing cause is very close to Andy’s heart and supports over 11 million children who are homeless and abused throughout the UK, India and East Africa. To raise as much awareness as possible, Andy is planning on attending various rail seminars, exhibitions and events throughout the UK and overseas over the coming months.

‘Over the past five years I have worked closely with Andy on many staffing projects and can only praise his conduct, attention to detail honesty and integrity,’ Chris Darlow went on to say. ‘He is someone who always goes out of his way to make himself available to anyone in need of his help or advice, a quality that he clearly expresses to his team and accounts for their outstanding performance. A quick look at the testimonials on his LinkedIn profile page.

To support Andy on his venture to help Railway Children take a look at his Virgin Money Giving page