Crossrail programme meets 1,000th apprenticeship milestone

The Crossrail programme in its entirety has helped generate more than 1,000 apprenticeship places since 2009.

In recognition, Andrew Jones – Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury – paid a visit to the new Elizabeth line station on Tottenham Court Road, meeting current Crossrail apprentices and those who have since moved on to other infrastructure schemes – among them Tideway and the Northern Line Extension.

To date, 710 apprenticeship places have been created by Crossrail Limited and its construction partners during the building and fit-out of new stations and tunnels running underneath London. These figures have eclipsed the 400 apprenticeships target set previously.

As for the apprentices themselves, they have received trained across a various disciplines – from civil engineering and business administration to railway systems and mechanical and electrical services.

Network Rail, Bombardier Transportation and MTR Crossrail have generated a further 297 apprenticeship places as part of a comprehensive upgrade of the existing rail network and the manufacture and operation of a brand new fleet of Class 345 trains.

Sir Terry Morgan – Chairman of Crossrail – was among the many welcoming the news: “Apprenticeships are at the heart of the Crossrail project and our commitment to creating quality learning and career opportunities for young people has made a huge contribution towards revitalising our infrastructure skills base.

“Investment in skills and training is essential, not just to the delivery of the Elizabeth line, but also the next generation of projects. I am continually impressed by the drive and commitment of our apprentices and I would like to congratulate each of them on their fantastic achievements.”

Meanwhile, Mark Wild – Managing Director of London Underground and the Elizabeth line at TfL – had this to say: “The number of apprentices who have worked on the construction of the new railway is quite spectacular. They represent the future of the transport industry and have played a key part in creating the Elizabeth line, which will redefine how people travel around the capital.

“As the line becomes operational we will continue to support apprentices. It is essential that we build on this legacy and inspire more people to realise the fantastic opportunities that are available within the transport industry.”

Once the TfL-run Elizabeth line opens in 2018 it will carry more than 200 million passengers each year, boosting rail capacity in central London by 10%. Crossrail will link London’s key employment, leisure and business districts – Heathrow, West End, the City and Canary Wharf – and encourage regeneration right the way through the capital.

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