Debra Colfer, Training Manager at Railsafe Group, discusses the business’s approach to staff training – and explains how the right learning opportunities can be life changing
Ensuring that employees who work in a rail environment have received adequate training is extremely important. If they are to carry out their role safely and correctly, anyone working on Network Rail’s infrastructure must undergo relevant training and be able to demonstrate competencies in key areas.
And this training is more than just an industry requirement. For individuals looking to re-enter the world of work or embark on a new career, it can unlock life-changing opportunities in rail.
From finance to rail
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic I lost my job in banking and was forced to think outside the box, considering roles in different sectors. After a 30+ year finance career, I liked the idea of a more hands-on job – and when an opportunity to complete Level 2 NVQ Rail Engineering and Track Maintenance training arose, I took it and found myself enjoying something I’d never previously envisaged.
Today, I am the Training Manager at Railsafe Group, a specialist in contingent labour supply. While I work onsite as a controller of site safety (COSS), I have also served as an associate trainer, delivering the same Level 2 NVQ course I took two years ago. And as a trainer, I’ve seen firsthand the difference training makes to individuals, our service delivery, and the client experience – particularly as technology, industry standards and working practices evolve.
Training should be an ongoing process
For Railsafe Group, training is also an investment – not just in the business and its staff, but the wider industry. We believe that, when developing training programmes, companies should consider the skills needed to properly maintain Network Rail’s complex infrastructure. Their goal should be building a long-term workforce that is in tune with both organisational values and the future of the railway.
This is the approach Railsafe Group takes to staff training, which we see as a continuous process. There are a variety of roles and responsibilities in the rail industry, and those applying for our entry-level engineering positions can access ongoing development opportunities after they have gained their Personal Track Safety (PTS) accreditations. Because Railsafe Group is a labour supply specialist, we can also offer them work opportunities.
It’s an approach that supports our primary goal – to attract, recruit and retain talented individuals, making these opportunities available to them. And, by training people at the beginning of their rail career, we’re able to instil our ethos and values in them.
Management buy-in is key
Business-wide support is key to the success of any training programme – and it starts with the senior management team. Railsafe Group’s own leadership team are supportive of our training strategy, and keen to create a pathway for new learners. They are also committed to developing and upskilling our existing workforce – which, in turn, enables us to better meet the needs of clients and the industry. With everyone pulling together and management leading the way, we can create a supportive, empowering environment, in which staff are able to grow and thrive.
Access new talent pools via the right partnerships
And it’s not just about internal support. Our partnerships with organisations like Jobcentre Plus and the Department of Work and Pensions enable us to tap into diverse talent pools, offering individuals the chance to gain a professionally competent skillset and forge a career pathway in the industry. Our delivery team take a similarly collaborative and flexible approach, ensuring that learners can access work opportunities and gain valuable practical experience.
A fresh start in the rail industry
And for these learners, the right training can be life changing. I’ve been involved in countless success stories, working closely with unemployed individuals and probationers. After completing their Rail Engineering and Track Maintenance Training and gaining their PTS card, they’re keen to get onsite.
I have worked on track with them, and I am always struck by the pride they take in their new roles. Some have been able to stop claiming universal credit, while others have a new sense of purpose – or find that, with additional income, their quality of life improves. Training doesn’t just give them a certificate; they gain a whole new lease of life.
It changed my life too – and today, I firmly believe I’ve found my calling. I love working in the rail industry and I am passionate about sharing my experiences.
Looking ahead, we need to anticipate changes in demand and adapt our bespoke training delivery to meet the needs of an evolving industry. It’s all about equipping staff with the skills they need to engineer the rail infrastructure of tomorrow!
