Engagement with the government is key to our ongoing work, ensuring skills strategies align with industry needs and drive growth. Edward Hughes, our Head of Policy and Engagement, has been instrumental in this effort, focusing on rail reform, skills reform and infrastructure productivity. I would like to invite all NSAR members to a webinar we are hosting on 19 March to discuss the government’s consultation on Great British Railways, providing a platform for you to share your views and contribute to NSAR’s submission. We encourage you to participate in the webinar and have your voice heard.
During National Apprenticeship Week, the government announced various measures to reform the apprenticeship system – read the NSAR overview here. The changes will be significant for literacy and numeracy. They will deliver greater flexibility to employers in the industry, allowing them to focus on non-technical and job-relevant skills, rather than broader academic assessments. The decrease in the minimum duration of apprenticeships will also allow employers more flexibility, which NSAR has long advocated for.
It was fantastic to see the widespread celebration of apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by everyone highlights the vital role apprenticeships play in our industry and wider. We were proud to showcase the stories of two of our own apprentices, Sam and Secunda, and encourage you to read their case studies.
This month, I also want to acknowledge the dedication of our Quality Assurance team. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the highest standards of rail training, collaborating with Network Rail to minimise disruption for providers during recent changes. Their efforts, along with the commitment of our training provider partners, are essential for maintaining safety and quality across the industry. Thank you to everyone involved.
Neil Robertson
NSAR Chief Executive