The Go-Ahead Group is investing in two new training academies to help with a drive to up-skill its engineers nationwide to support the move towards zero-emission transport
The Go-Ahead Group reports that it has made a multi-million-pound investment in engineering to create a clearer career pathway for emerging talent, to increase the skills and knowledge of its engineering teams, and better prepare them for an accelerated roll-out of zero-emission technology. The Group expects that the project will create a new industry-leading engineering apprenticeship programme to develop the skills of Go-Ahead’s 900 engineers across its businesses in the UK and Ireland, who are responsible for maintaining its nationwide fleet of around 6,000 buses and coaches.
Two new engineering academies in London and Greater Manchester will support the apprenticeship programme and host training for current engineers.
Go-Ahead’s existing engineers will receive training to enhance their skills and knowledge, whilst it will also offer apprenticeships, removing barriers to entry by funding driving lessons and exams for successful applicants, opening up engineering careers to people from all backgrounds; apprentices will learn in classrooms and real-life settings before joining one of Go-Ahead’s operating companies in a programme delivered in partnership with S&B Automotive Academy. CEO of Go-Ahead Bus Matt Carney said: “Engineers are absolutely crucial to our industry. Our investment will help create a clear career pathway for anyone interested in becoming an engineer. This includes women who are underrepresented in engineering, and I am very pleased to see that 20% of our first apprentices are women. This is a great start towards gender diversity. Our engineering academies will also develop our existing team of engineers, up-skilling them so that they’re set up for success and provide leadership training to our emerging leaders. This means that as we grow and evolve, we will continue to have the best engineers in the industry, which is great for our teams and for our customers.”
