Hitachi Rail Europe is hoping to boost the number of young women with its manufacturing apprenticeships at its Newton Aycliffe base
nThe company building the next generation of 100mph trains is creating 150 new jobs in Newton Aycliffe to bring the work up to speed - and they’re hoping to boost the number of young women in manufacturing apprenticeships.
nHitachi Rail Europe is hiring workers, including apprentices, to join its workforce, which is shortly due to begin work on a contract to supply hundreds of carriages for ScotRail.
nWork is expected to start later this month.
nThe “longer, faster and greener” 100mph commuter trains will be made up of three-car and four-car trains, known as Class 385s, and are expected to run from late 2017 on electrified lines between Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as routes covering some other areas of Scotland.
nAn example of the 385 is currently being shipped to the UK from Japan, to assist with development.
nThe 150 new roles will be fixed-term positions to provide the company with the flexibility it needs to deliver concurrent contracts, said a spokeswoman.
nShe said the work on the new fleet will be carried out alongside existing deals to make stock for East Coast and Great Western routes under the Government’s Intercity Express Programme.
nThe spokeswoman added: “We hope around a third of these new positions will be apprenticeships, giving young people a tremendous opportunity to improve their skill spectrum.”
nThe company is holding an open day on Thursday, September 1, where prospective female apprentices aged between 16 and 24 can find out more. They will have the chance to tour its factory and see work being carried out.
nYou can register for a place HERE