We are pleased to announce that Colas Rail has joined Routes into Rail as a Silver funder.

Routes into Rail was set up to be a collaborative venture for the benefit of the whole industry and becomes a more effective resource as more rail organisations feed into the work it does. We work hand-in-hand with funders – like Colas Rail – who have the everyday knowledge of industry needs that make Routes into Rail’s efforts authentic.

In becoming a funder of Routes into Rail, Colas Rail has committed to supporting this important initiative to deliver skills for the railway of the future. Gemma Simmonds, Head of Careers & Development at Colas Rail, is on the Routes into Rail Advisory Board that meets quarterly to plan activities and give feedback on new opportunities.

Gemma said: “For the last 15 years, Colas Rail has proudly launched Graduate and Apprentice programmes filling the skills gaps in our business, providing opportunities for development and progression and reducing the skills shortage for us and our clients. Routes into Rail is a fantastic opportunity for us and the industry to work together to promote the brilliant opportunities available in the Rail Industry. We look forward to working closely with NSAR on this critical initiative.”

Neil Robertson, Chief Executive of NSAR (the driving force behind Routes into Rail), said: “It is great to have Colas Rail UK on board as part of the collaborative industry effort to build future rail skills. Their commitment to addressing skills shortages and providing fantastic career opportunities for young people is commendable. Welcome to the Routes into Rail team.”