Carillion Rail has invested in new training facilities as part of a new Cooperation Agreement with Austrian electrically-powered transport systems specialist, SPL Powerlines Group.

The agreement will strengthen Carillion's existing capabilities in the rail sector, particularly around electrification and overhead line (OHL) projects.

The partnership has been formed to increase capacity and expertise ahead of Network Rail's £2bn investment in a major electrification expansion of the UK rail network.

Carillion Rail, part of infrastructure and support services provider Carillion plc, is among a group of tier 1 suppliers on a framework panel bidding to help deliver the programme and through this agreement SPL Powerlines' large team of experienced UK linemen will work alongside Carillion colleagues. The agreement creates a joint workforce of around 1,000.

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Significantly, the partnership will also address the substantial skills challenges facing the sector. It has been estimated that, by 2016, the sector will need upwards of 2,000 skilled linemen, which is 10 times the current capacity.

Carillion Rail has recently completed a purpose-built indoor OHL training operation at its centre in Gresty Road, Crewe, which operates alongside its existing facilities in Milton Keynes and Glasgow, while SPL Powerlines UK Ltd has made a significant investment in its facilities in Doncaster, South Yorkshire and Glasgow, which includes industry-standard training facilities, which replicates OHL installation and maintenance operations.

(CD/JP)