Network Rail scoops The People Management Award with innovative apprenticeships to develop highly skilled engineers

September 2007

Network Rail has beaten stiff competition to scoop The People Management Award 2007 for the delivery of its advanced apprenticeship scheme. This was announced at the Gala Dinner in Harrogate, at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development's Annual Conference and Exhibition.

The People Management Award is presented to outstanding organisations that demonstrate how good people management has helped them improve performance and achieve business objectives.

Network Rail introduced a new apprenticeship scheme for railway engineers as part of a drive to meet its need for multi-skilled technicians able to provide a top class, safe railway system. To equip the maintenance function with new skilled people National Rail introduced its advanced apprenticeship scheme to deliver technical expertise and provide personal development.

Geoff Armstrong, CIPD Director General, says: "This winning entry centres on a real business need at Network Rail. They knew they had to develop a large number of highly skilled engineers, to fill skills gaps identified after maintenance was insourced from a variety of contractors and deliver the safe and reliable railway system we all expect.

"Their innovative approach using Royal Navy facilities and expertise is building a core of people with technical, problem-solving and team working skills.

"Graduates of the apprenticeships system will have further opportunities to develop through, for example, foundation degrees and other qualifications. They will be well placed to move into leadership positions with Network Rail as they progress in their careers."

Network Rail's Advanced Apprenticeship scheme also provides an excellent example of successful employer led training, currently being encouraged by the Government. The apprenticeship scheme worked closely with the awarding body and the Learning and Skills Council using an innovative and pragmatic approach.

The scheme, which was delivered in partnership with Flagship Training Ltd made use of Royal Navy facilities at HMS Sultan, Europe's largest engineering facility, ensuring that it was introduced quickly and cost effectively.

Iain Coucher, Chief Executive Network Rail said: "We are changing the very nature of Network Rail, what it is and how it operates. Training and development are key parts of change, which is why Network Rail developed its apprenticeship scheme, the most talented of whom would go onto a Foundation Degree at Sheffield Hallam University, and leadership schemes for potential high flyers.

"This is a huge investment in our future. This apprenticeship scheme will deliver over 1,000 skilled technicians who will become the backbone of Network Rail for the next 25 years."

Other award categories:-

This year, the awards were divided into four categories: