The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is celebrating the first anniversary of its rail training arm, RIA Training Services, which delivers industry-focused courses. Each of which is designed to induct new entrants into rail and help businesses strengthen their work-winning capabilities.

Over the past 12 months, RIA Training Services, has welcomed more than 100 learners onto its flagship courses: ‘Introduction to the UK Railway Industry and Supply Chain’, and ‘Work Winning in the UK Railway Industry’.

Both courses are endorsed by the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR), and due to demand, RIA has recently launched bespoke on-site training delivery – enabling courses to be delivered directly at customer premises.

Fiona Broomfield, RIA Training Services programme lead and Member Relations Manager, says: “We are delighted with the response to RIA Training Services since it launched. Reaching our first anniversary is a milestone we really want to celebrate by thanking all our learners for successfully completing the courses and for doing so with very open and collaborative mindsets.

“Looking ahead, we have a full programme of courses available in London and Leeds, and we’ve launched on-site training delivery so we can take RIA Training Services directly to companies for group sessions. We would love to hear from anyone interested in these courses, and from those who have ideas for future courses, as we look to boost support for skills and development across the supply chain.”

The first bespoke introductory course was delivered last month to a team of learners from Telent Technology Services in Warwick. Cathy McEwan, Rail Team Administrator at Telent, says: “This training course offered exceptionally valuable insights into the rail industry. The lively and engaging delivery, coupled with the encouraged audience participation, made the experience thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring. RIA’s outstanding support, along with its excellent networking and educational opportunities, will undoubtedly foster a lasting and rewarding relationship with the organisation.”

In the past year, RIA has also established three training partnerships with RailSTAR, Tilt Consulting, and Comet. These partnerships provide RIA members with a discount on partner training courses, while partner customers receive discounted access to RIA Training Services courses.  

“Together we are working to promote learning and development across the industry, and we welcome interest from other training providers who would like to partner with us,” adds Fiona.

RIA Training Services courses are delivered by railway specialists with significant industry experience, offering practical, actionable learning that people can apply directly within their organisations and careers.

• ‘Introduction to the UK Railway Industry and Supply Chain’ is for anyone new to the industry, from apprentices and recruiters to business development managers and established professionals moving into rail.
• ‘Work Winning in the UK Railway Industry is designed for people and organisations seeking to win work in the UK and export overseas, including business owners to development, sales and bid teams.

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