City ideally placed to provide GBR with skilled workers

Derby’s giants of education – the University of Derby and Derby College Group – have said they are ideally placed to provide Great British Railways with the skilled workforce they need.

Both organisations are major supporters of the city’s bid to become the new home of GBR.

The college and the university are already embedded in the rail industry, working with companies involved in the sector and equipping their workforces with the skills they need.

Kate Martin, deputy principal at Derby College Group, said: “Derby has a really strong case for bringing GBR to the city and we have encouraged all of our employees, students and stakeholders to cast their vote to ensure this happens.

“The operation would bring significant skilled and well-paid job opportunities to the city and region in a wide range of disciplines from business and digital and engineering and civil engineering.

“It would also be great news for the wider economic and wellbeing of the city – with positive knock-on effects to sectors such as housing, leisure and culture as experienced by cities who have been earmarked for major departmental and corporate relocations.

“As an organisation and education sector, we have proved our commitment to working in partnership with other colleges and universities and with employers to ensure local skills provision meets local needs.

“This, alongside the public vote, will hopefully convince decision makers that Derby is indeed the right city for this important development.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, vice-chancellor at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted that the University of Derby is a partner in this important bid.

“Through our Rail Research and Innovation Centre we support collaborative research and innovation projects, helping to modernise the railway through digital and low carbon solutions.

“We are also ideally placed to provide the key skills needed to support the anchor employers and supply chain, as well as business support dedicated to the rail and transport sector that will enable growth and create more jobs in the region.”

To vote for Derby’s GBR bid please click here.