Engineering a Solution

The shortage of engineering skills in the rail industry is threatening growth and development of the sector. This article discusses the reasons for this shortage and what the industry needs to do to attract more engineers. Both small and big players in the rail sector are experiencing difficulties in filling vacancies, mainly because of a shortage of people with relevant knowledge and experience. This is apparent at all levels in specific technical and practical skills areas, but especially among professional engineers. This state of affairs can be attributed partly to the reduction of engineering functions, prior to privatization of the railways in 1994. In addition, projects have become more complex, using new technologies and processes requiring specialized skills and experience. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed in finding the solution to this shortage. First, the industry needs more young talent. The failure to attract good-quality students into the study of rail engineering is partly due to a poor image of the sector, and partly because students are encouraged to go into further education, rather than following the vocational routes. The industry needs to start from the very beginning, ensuring that pupils are encouraged to study math and physics, subjects critical to engineering, from an early age. Rail engineering companies also need to support education and promote some of its most high profile professionals, who could act as role models for young people. In addition to raising the profile of rail engineering, the industry should offer courses and qualifications that reflect where there are skill gaps and where skills are changing. The industry also needs think about how it can attract candidates, both through good salaries and by providing satisfying career opportunities. A National Railway Skills Academy is proposed as a way to address these issues and raise the profile of rail engineering.