Recruitment
“The G&W UK Training Academy offers courses to both internal and external trainees, all with the aim of improving safety in the logistics industry. Originally created in 2009 as a road services academy, the purpose-built training facility expanded in 2018 to offer a range of driver, safety and first aid courses across rail, road and terminal platforms. Now, every course is available publicly, the academy has trained those in the rail industry and well as the wider logistics industry, bringing road and rail together for a united goal – to improve safety, performance and efficiency.
Led by John Newton, the academy’s dedicated team have worked tirelessly over the last two years to bring a variety of safety-related courses to candidates across the UK. What started as just a couple of G&W UK/Europe Region employees has expanded to a ten-strong team of trainers and support staff.
Taking varied expertise and an improved safety focus from parent company G&W, a globally recognised transportation services provider, the academy has ensured that each course offered has a greater impact on improving safety across the UK. From First Aid at work, to Driver and Shunter training and Yard Safety courses, the team have ensured that there is an offering to improve the safety of every colleague within the transportation industry.
Acknowledging that trains cannot complete the final miles of every journey; the team have also developed a course for road-transportation companies wishing to improve their safety record and reduce their environmental footprint. The Be Green – Be Safe course offers road drivers training in eco driving, fuel consumption reduction, driver fatigue, speed awareness and more.
Since John took the reins the academy has taken on a new lease of life. His energy has enthused the team to explore opportunities beyond the current range, for example, the team is currently exploring the option of going into schools to pass their skills and expertise on to the younger generation. The academy is also expanding into virtual reality (VR) teaching, and so far, has implemented VR in a range of courses. Working with this innovative technology means the academy can offer state-of-the-art training programmes for driver assessments, walk-round checks, and other practical skills teachings – all carried out in the classroom.
His passion coupled with his understanding of the industry make John an excellent leader for the department and with ambitious plans for the training academy in 2020, it’s clear that this is just the beginning. It really has been a team effort to get the training academy to where it is now - a successful division of the G&W family, which is focused on improving the safety of our industry and providing all logistics professionals with the skills and qualifications needed for the future.“
“I felt extremely honoured when i received an invite for the Rail Staff awards 2014. I really did not expect it so it was a very pleasant surprise and had no hesitation in accepting the invite to this prestigious event. My experience of the evening was amazing. We choose to get into the spirit of the evening and arrive in fancy dress which thankfully so did a lot of other people. The food was of fantastic quality and the little deserts were the best. The entertainment provided was thoroughly entertaining. The evening was expertly planned from beginning to end. It was a very humbling experience to watch the nominees and winners and listen to the reasons why they were there. I felt extremely proud to be part of the railway family.”
Latest Twitter Updates
Follow us @RailStaffAwards