Bombardier and Hitachi to work with the National College for High Speed Rail

30th November 2018

With the two companies already collaborating on a bid to build high-speed trains for HS2, Hitachi and Bombardier have unveiled the next step: A Global High Speed Rail Learning Programme.

If the HS2 bid proves successful, the two companies have committed to working more closely with the NCHSR at its campuses in Doncaster and Birmingham. The companies will meet today with the College in Doncaster to discuss the development of a new Global High Speed Rail Learning programme that is designed to provide a pathway from apprentice to further study at degree level. This exciting opportunity could lead to placements at the two company’s locations in Italy, Germany, Japan, Sweden and the UK.

Hitachi and Bombardier formed a joint venture to bid for the contract to build and maintain the trains that will operate on Phase One of High Speed Two (HS2) from London to Birmingham. The experts at both companies are already working to create a new lighter, quieter and more energy efficient train that will provide unrivalled comfort for passengers travelling at speeds of 360km/h.

Karen Boswell, Managing Director at Hitachi Rail, said:

“This exciting global scheme offers young people a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity. We aim to build an iconic British train for HS2 that will offer an unrivalled passenger experience but this investment also has to deliver a skills and supplier legacy for the UK. We want to bring in and nurture new talent that will support the high speed rail industry both here at home and for export abroad.”

Phil Hufton, Managing Director UK, Bombardier Transportation, said:

“HS2 is the ultimate future-looking project so we are developing a train fit for the 2030’s, not today. That’s why we are determined to harness the very best young talent, and build learning pathways from Doncaster and beyond; all to create in this country a lasting, exportable legacy in high speed rail.”

Clair Mowbray, Chief Executive, National College for High Speed Rail, said:

“We are excited about the potential development of an innovative global high-speed rail learning programme for the Bombardier and Hitachi joint venture, as part of their building and maintenance bid for HS2. We are thrilled to be engaged with Bombardier and Hitachi at this stage in their bidding and we are working with the companies to develop and implement a robust and inspiring apprenticeship programme that will ensure a highly skilled workforce to deliver the build and maintenance contracts for HS2.”

Author: Darren Porter
Image: Hitachi Rail Europe