Silver Track Training based in Haydock, St Helens has collaborated with Peel Group to launch a new Railway Engineering training site in Birkenhead for 16 – 24 year old apprentices.

Forming part of Peels Wirral Waters regeneration project – the biggest in the UK - and backed by local MP's and councillors, the training site gives a nod to the yesteryear of Birkenhead's days as a transport hub and hopes to help lessen the high unemployment rate in the area.

The disused dock railway line which runs along the southern boundary of the docks will be used for the training site with its base on Beaufort Road.

The rail industry is one of the largest employers in the UK with over 159,000 people employed in a variety of posts. A large portion of these individuals are over the age of 45 and therefore it is important we begin developing a workforce for the future. Silver Track Training believes there will be a high demand for people with the relevant skills to meet the demand of an ever - expanding network.

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The programme will give local teenagers and young adults the opportunity to gain industry qualifications and work experience within the rail sector, whilst getting paid up to £60 per week. Silver Track Training hope many of these recruits will be locals who are unemployed or have had trouble finding employment previously.

The apprenticeship has proved successful in other areas, as the participants seem to enjoy the physical aspects of the subject and varied work they are learning, as well as gaining qualifications for the future. Referrals are often from friends or partner organisations who have experienced the success of the programme first-hand.

The partnership for the new site was born, as both parties identified a lack of opportunities for young adults in the area with minimal qualifications. It will give over 200 individuals the opportunity to make a positive difference to their lives and undergo a new career direction.

Silver Track Managing Director Mark Argent believes the area will benefit greatly from such an opportunity. "These young adults need to be able to take advantage of projects such as this, as it will help them to realize that a rewarding career is still a possibility for them. Many of our apprentices are now in employment with leading rail companies as a direct result of their training. They are earning as much as £11 an hour as well as taking the first steps to a long career in railway engineering. We hope we can inspire some more people to join them."

(CD)