The Rail Track Operative and Skilled Plate Layer Skills Bootcamp at Oaklands College provided a transformative experience for 20 learners looking to launch a career in rail operations. Working closely with employers Morsons and Vital, the program aimed to equip learners with essential skills for working on rail lines across Network Rail’s overground and the London Underground. 

Path to the Bootcamp 
The learners discovered the Skills Bootcamp through a collaborative outreach effort involving social media marketing, employer partnerships, and Jobcentre Plus (JCP) engagement. This approach ensured that the bootcamp reached individuals seeking stability in a rewarding industry. For many, this program marked a shift from unemployment to the prospect of steady employment in rail, with 85% of the group initially unemployed, and the remainder in full or part-time work but keen to change industries. 

Each learner came to the bootcamp with different backgrounds, skills, and aspirations, but all shared a common goal: building a lasting career in rail. With 90% holding a Level 3 qualification or below, many were eager to build new skills that could directly lead to job opportunities as Rail Track Operatives or Skilled Plate Layers. 

Skills Acquired 
The Skills Bootcamp was intensive, preparing learners with a well-rounded set of skills necessary for the industry: 

• Personal Track Safety (PTS): Essential for working on or near railway lines, ensuring safety on active tracks. 

• DCCR Certification: For working in areas with DC conductor rails, crucial for roles in rail maintenance and repair. 

• First Aid and Firewatch: These certifications boosted the learners’ readiness to address emergencies and follow safety protocols. 

• Track Trolley Controller & Powered Plant Training: Equipped learners to use essential tools and powered equipment. 

• Employability Skills: Training in these skills prepared learners for interviews and helped boost confidence as they transitioned into the workforce. 

Progression and Success 
The success of this program is evident in the outcomes achieved. Each of the 20 learners secured employment with Morsons and Vital, with placements as either Rail Track Operatives or Skilled Plate Layers. The roles involve working on overground lines with Network Rail and the London Underground, offering the opportunity to apply their new skills directly. 

For many, the bootcamp provided not only practical knowledge but also a sense of direction and achievement. “The Skills Bootcamp didn’t just train us for jobs; it showed us the potential for a stable, meaningful career,” shared one learner. “Seeing how much we could accomplish was incredibly motivating.” 

Inspiring Others 
The journey of these learners demonstrates how accessible training and strategic employer partnerships can create direct pathways to employment, even for those with limited experience. Their stories reflect the potential of Skills Bootcamps to support individuals from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in high-demand sectors like rail.