Member Article

HS2 FE college could benefit Durham plant

Plans to develop a dedicated train engineering college in England would benefit Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe plant, a boss at the firm has hinted.

The plans announced this week would see the first English incorporated Further Education College in over 20 years.

Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, said: “Creating jobs by delivering better infrastructure is a key part of the Government’s long term economic plan.

“HS2 will not only help businesses expand, creating employment; it will also give young people opportunities to get new skills, get a job and a career, become more secure and get on in life. When open, it is predicted that HS2 will underpin the delivery of 400,000 jobs.”

Hitachi Rail Europe’s executive chairman and CEO, Alistair Dormer, responded: “We are very pleased the government recognises the importance of good infrastructure. Hitachi Rail Europe is investing in Britain’s future through a new factory at Newton Aycliffe, in County Durham, which will employ 730 people building trains for the home and export market with Made in Britain stamped on them.

“As part of our commitment to the UK we are taking on apprentices in all our locations and will be working with a local college to train the engineers, technicians and designers of tomorrow.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .