5/26/2010 4:22:49 PM
Industry buzz - Rail
By Emma Hudson
If the media is to be believed, things are looking bleak for the
Rail Industry, with companies going into liquidation, Network Rail
strikes and projects being put on hold.
We cannot, of course, expect the market to return to the
conditions of two years ago overnight, but despite the negativity
that seems prevalent in the media we have noticed a slow recovery
taking place.
Candidates within the rail industry are starting to look at new
opportunities again. This is aiding the job market recovery: when
industry professionals begin to move, new opportunities are created
for others.
Our rail clients are diversifying and new business drivers are
impacting on their activity. Many are now considering ways to cut
harmful emissions, and a number of rail companies are developing
solutions for this.
The Manchester Metrolink is another exciting project. Walk the
streets of Manchester and you can’t miss the work that is being
carried out. Two further extensions to Manchester Metrolink have
been authorised by the DfT and discussions are taking place about
the construction of another line which would bring trams to
Manchester Airport.
So what’s the key focus within the Rail Industry at the
moment?
Electrification - A £1.1 billion rolling
programme of rail electrification. This is creating new job
opportunities for people with expertise in this field. The benefits
of electrification are many: lower CO2 emissions, higher levels of
train reliability and availability and lower leasing costs.
Crossrail - This project is gaining momentum.
We expect to see a high demand for Civil, Tunnel and Geotechnical
Engineers and related professionals.
Signalling - There is a real skill shortage in
this area still. Clients are crying out for Signalling Design
Engineers who have the IRSE licenses to back their experience.
Rolling Stock has probably been the worst hit
area within the Industry. With fewer commuters into the city, the
industry saw a downturn in revenue from rail ticket sales. This led
to the TOCs tightening their purse strings. However, despite this
there was still enough work within the Rolling Stock industry to
keep these companies busy. As the UK economy picks up, so will the
Rolling Stock Industry. It is something of a sleeping giant at the
moment.
Let’s not forget that rail is estimated to be three times more
fuel efficient than road freight transport. In a climate of high
fuel prices and increased awareness of environmental
sustainability, we see no reason not to be optimistic about the
distant future of rail.
Discover more about ARM's Rail Recruitment
division.