National Skills Academy for Rail Proposed for Crewe

An Expression of Interest (EOI) in developing a National Skills Academy for Rail in the hub of the rail network in Crewe will be submitted to the Government by Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA).

The EOI is being planned in response to the exciting opportunity offered by the Government's publication of the prospectus for the fourth round of the National Skills Academy Network.

Major employers in the sector have already demonstrated a strong commitment to lead and fully support the establishment of a Skills Academy for Rail, which would meet the specialist skills needs of the sector at a crucial stage in its development.

Amongst the employers driving this forward will be music producer (of Stock Aitken Waterman) and railway enthusiast Pete Waterman OBE, a leading figure in the rail industry, who owns several railway businesses including Crewe-based LNWR.

These plans to develop an employer-led world-class centre of excellence are fully supported by the region's key public sector stakeholders, including the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the North West Learning and Skills Council, Cheshire County Council and Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA, said:

“The NWDA is pleased to endorse a scheme which supports the rail industry in Crewe, an important part of Crewe’s heritage which also makes a significant contribution to the local and regional economies. It is vital that rail continues to thrive in the Northwest and basing a Skills Academy for Rail here would be a tremendous boost to ensuring the region remains at the forefront of this industry. Improving the region’s skills base is a priority for the NWDA in our aim to secure economic growth for the Northwest - we have a wealth of talent in the region and it is vital that we provide the opportunities for people to fulfill their potential.”

Martin Lee, Chief Executive of CWEA stated:

“This is a wonderful opportunity which has the potential to bring real benefits to the rail industry nationally, and major economic benefits to the Northwest and Crewe in particular. There has been a lot of coverage in the press recently about “the old railway town of Crewe” – this is an opportunity for us to look ahead and plan for a new and exciting future for the rail industry in Crewe”.

Councillor John Hammond, Leader of Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council commented:

“What better news can there be for Crewe steeped in rail history, than to look to the future with the prospect of a National Skills Academy for Rail based in the town. This is a Borough with a proud reputation for high quality, highly skilled industries and I believe this initiative will help us deliver more quality jobs in the years to come. I welcome this proposal and look forward to realising its benefits in Crewe and beyond in the wider region”.

Crewe’s rail heritage and central location on the UK rail network should make it a strong option for an academy. This strong and energetic partnership will be of paramount importance in supporting the employers who will, under the auspices of an industry-led steering group, drive this project forward.

This initiative is also supported by Network Rail, Virgin Trains, University of Chester and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) Cheshire.

Ends

For further information contact:
Tina Johnston, External Relations Manager
Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance
Tel: 01606 734187; Email: Tina.Johnston@cwea.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

CWEA
Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance brings together leaders and influencers from both the public and private sector to work in partnership on a wide range of economic development issues in the sub region to ensure a dynamic, high quality environment for both business and residents. Visit www.cwea.org.uk.

NWDA
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life
For further information visit: www.nwda.co.uk, www.englandsnorthwest.com

CREWE & NANTWICH BOROUGH COUNCIL
Crewe and Nantwich Borough has a resident population of 111,006 and covers around 160 square miles. It offers a mix of historic towns and unspoilt villages set in South Cheshire countryside. The two main towns offer a contrast with each other. Crewe is a thriving modern industrial and commercial centre, complemented by the historic market town of Nantwich.
There are 27 wards in the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich represented by a total of 56 Borough Councillors. The Council is a hung Council which means that no Political Party has overall control. www.crewe-nantwich.gov.uk.