Training for when we’re back on track (From Daily Echo)

Training for when we’re back on track

9:25am Tuesday 24th February 2009 in

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AS thousands of jobs across the nation hit the buffers a Cabinet minister was able to see some green shoots in the recession.

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon was at HMS Sultan, Gosport where hundreds of aspiring engineers are learning a trade on Network Rail’s advanced apprenticeship scheme. The naval base, which has Europe’s largest specialist training centre, has forged a unique partnership with Network Rail.

Mr Hoon was given a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities at HMS Sultan by Network Rail’s chief executive Iain Coucher.

The minister saw how the company provides people with the skills in track, signalling, electrification and plant, and telecoms to equip them for a long-term future within a growing rail industry.

Speaking to the Daily Echo he said: “We will come out of the present economic difficulties and what is important is that when we do come out the country has the skills and ability to expand and develop.

“That does depend on the quality of training that we see here today.”