Siemens Mobility selects Selby College as its Goole training partner

Siemens Mobility Limited has announced it has chosen Selby College as its training partner for its new rail facility in Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, which aims to create up to 700 skilled jobs locally, as well as 250 other roles during the construction phase.

As part of this, Selby College will act as the key partners of the the Level 3 Rail Technician Apprenticeship programme. Apprentices will spend their first year at the College developing core engineering skills, as part of a comprehensive, three-year training programme beginning in September 2020, through to joining the workforce at the Goole factory when it opens in 2023.

Phil Sayles, Principal and Chief Executive of Selby College, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Siemens Mobility as they deliver one of the most significant developments in this area for decades. Now more than ever, it’s vital that we train local people so they can take up new opportunites and fill roles, which are vital to the UK’s future and to rebuilding the nation’s economy following COVID-19.”

Siemens Mobility has already received 200 applications for the facility’s first 12 apprentice roles, with the majority of applicants from East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

The apprentices will be the first of up to 700 employees for the pioneering rail manufacturing facility, which is expected to start later this year, pending detailed planning approval from East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The project will be complemented by research and development, digital innovation and supplier facilities, together forming a unique “rail village” at the Goole site.

Sambit Banerjee, Managing Director Rolling Stock and Customer Services, for Siemens Mobility Limited, said: “The appointment of Selby College is another important milestone for our Goole facility and will have a key role to play in helping us create a legacy of highly-skilled engineers.”

He continued: “The number and quality of applications indicates the level of interest in this incredibly exciting project. The demand for these entry-level opportunities bodes well for future recruitment for a wide range of manufacturing, engineering and associated roles as the project continues to move forward.”

Selby College was chosen due to its outstanding track record of delivering apprenticeships, excellent facilities, focus on student welfare and health and safety, and proximity to the development site.

“Selby College is a high-achieving college with an excellent reputation and has close links to the town of Goole, with many of our students already attending the College from the area. This, combined with our significant engineering facilities and partnerships with industry, means we are well placed to play a key role in this project. Our excellent campus will provide a great base for the apprentices during their time with us,” added Phil Sayles.

“We have apprentices with a large number of companies. In these challenging times, we are continuing to support them through remote learning to provide them with the skills and resources to become highly-qualified employees for the region’s employers. We are already working so that, when possible, we will recommence safe learning on our campus for these learners and the new recruits as part of our partnership with Siemens.”

Within its engineering department, Selby College is also currently planning the purchase and installation of a state-of-the-art automated manufacturing training facility, as part of the Yorkshire and Humberside Institute of Technology project.

Selby College has also recently launched its ‘Head Start’ initiative, which aims to provide applicants to the College with a ‘Head Start’ on their next chapter of learning or chosen career path. Following school closures and exam cancellations as a result of COVID-19, the programme has been put in place to provide prospective students with course focussed materials and challenges to help them explore the range of courses and subjects on offer at Selby College.