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“For example, a pioneering ‘Authority to Work’ system designed specifically for the light rail sector is now available to operators across the country following successful trials in Edinburgh.” Developed by UKTram in partnership with Edinburgh Trams and software firm Metrotech, PERMIT+ aims to speed up and simplify a critical safety process by utilising an advanced website portal and associated mobile app. These aim to replace existing paper-based systems that can be limiting in terms of functionality and very time-consuming. The project was initiated as work continues on the Trams to Newhaven scheme that will see the opening of a 4.69km extension to the popular network in 2023. This ambitious project is just one of a series of landmark light rail projects currently under way across the UK. Reaching further Over the coming months, the UK’s light rail sector also expects to celebrate the opening of tram extensions to Edgbaston and Wolverhampton Station in the West Midlands. Further good news has come from government with the announcement of funding for the expansion of the network to Brierley Hill as part of a £1.05 billion transport improvement programme for the region. While these exciting projects take shape, UKTram will continue its work to enhance training and professional standards within the sector, encouraging the development of the next generation of light rail professionals and closing a widely recognised skills gap. These include the development of a series of National Occupational Standards (NOS) that aim to set out the skills, knowledge and understanding required to undertake a particular task or job role to a nationally recognised level of competence.
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The most recent NOS is for tram driver trainers (available to download from the UK Standards database at www.ukstandards.org. uk), and is founded on a comprehensive analysis of the main functions of the role, and the skills needed to fulfil them. Other NOS published to date cover tram and tramway engineering, and work continues on a range of other standards to formalise sector-wide job descriptions and the core skills they require, including for traction and rolling stock technicians.
Fresh challenges lie ahead as the country emerges from the pandemic They can then be used as a valuable resource in a wide range of HR and training functions, including the development of in-house training schemes, vocational qualifications and apprenticeships. By providing a competency benchmark, NOS can also be used to support career and performance development, performance assessment and to establish formal job descriptions. James added: “This drive towards enhanced training and professional standards will be crucial to the future growth of the sector, alongside other initiatives aimed at enhancing operational performance. “Through a series of working groups set up by UKTram involving leading light rail professionals, we are also actively identifying other areas where we can support the sector as it looks to the future following the uncertainty of the past two years.
“Clearly fresh challenges lie ahead as the country emerges from the pandemic. However, 2022 also presents numerous opportunities to enhance the reputation of tramways as a safe, reliable and environmentally friendly mode of public transport with a proven track record of driving regeneration and economic growth. “We will also build on our strong links with both the UK and Scottish Governments, which have already helped to secure more than £250 million in COVID-support during the pandemic. This figure is set to be further boosted with news that light rail will have a share of a further £150 million of funding for essential bus and tram services, announced in March by the government. “These close working relationships are being further cemented with the participation of senior Department for Transport officials in our Executive Group meetings, which offers sector leaders direct access to key decision makers.” Looking ahead James added: “Just as significant, however, is our strategy for the future of light rail, which has been developed with help from colleagues from across the sector and is due to be officially launched in the spring with the backing of the DfT.” An initial draft of the bold vision to help drive the expansion of light rail in the UK was first unveiled at the organisation’s Light Rail Summit in September last year, where it received a warm welcome from delegates at the event in Edinburgh. James said: “The strategy builds a compelling case for future investment in light rail and looks at ways to remove barriers to the expansion of existing systems and the building of new networks. “Crucially, it highlights the many economic, environmental and social benefits of putting tramways and similar transit systems at the heart of future integrated urban transport networks.”
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