Today, NSAR releases the findings from its Trainer Report 2023. The report updates the analysis done in 2021, focusing on the demographics of trainers and assessors in the Sentinel database.
Headline findings:
- The number of trainers and assessors has increased by 44 (12.6%) since 2021.
- Despite this, average age and retirement risk remain high.
- The average age of trainers is 52.2 years, an increase from 2021.
- The average age of assessors is 52.6 years, also an increase from 2021. Both are significantly higher than the average age of the rail workforce (45 years).
- A high proportion of trainers and assessors are expected to retire by 2030 – 39% and 40% respectively.
- Two core competencies (Level B – Strapping (inc. Testing) (LB 3rd-R St-1) and LA Procedure A (LA 3rd-R PB-i)) pose the biggest issue for training delivery, with 60% of trainers at a retirement risk.
- Two core competencies (LA Procedure A (LA 3rd-R PA-i) and LA Procedure A (LA 3rd-R PB-i)) pose the biggest issue for assessment, with 80% of assessors at retirement risk.
- A high proportion of COSS and Engineering Supervisor training providers have just one trainer – presenting a risk in availability and sustainability.
Understanding trainer and supervisor demographics encourages the sector to remain mindful of which qualifications and training courses have the greatest risk for shortfalls in trainers and assessors in the coming years. This will help optimise training provision and combat skills gaps in training delivery.
The report can be accessed here.