Crossrail academy to "train and develop" workers

The proposed site for the academy is Aldersbook Sidings, Romford Road, on the borders of Newham and Redbridge boroughs.

Consultation sessions were held with the public at Ilford Central Library and The Froud Community Centre, Manor Park last month.

Members of the public are invited to contact Crossrail as consultation continues.

A spokesman for Crossrail said: "The plans for the Tunnelling Academy are being consulted on until December 11, after which Crossrail will seek planning permission from the London Boroughs of Redbridge and Newham. Both local authorities are supportive of the proposals from the academy."

A spokesman for Newham Council said: "We have been in very positive discussions with Crossrail regarding the new academy.

"It is to be a world-class facility which would provide employment opportunities for local people. We are confident that the academy will be of a high standard of design and it would be a welcome addition to the borough."

Despite the potential benefits to the residents of Newham and surrounding boroughs, the academy also looks set to be an asset for the tunnelling industry in general.

The Crossrail spokesman said: "The establishment of the Tunnelling Academy is central to Crossrail's delivery plans and its legacy.

"While the UK has tunnelling expertise and knowledge there is not a purpose-built training facility in the UK that is a focal point for the industry.

"We have researched current tunnel training provision in the UK and have concluded that it does not meet the needs of the Crossrail work force either in terms of capacity or specialisms."

Crossrail says the shortage of skilled workers is due to the industry going through a cycle of peaks and troughs in the last 30 years and as a result a large and experienced workforce could not be maintained.

Large schemes such as London Underground upgrades, Thames Water projects and schemes across Europe also mean Crossrail will struggle to find the 3,500 workers needed to work in the tunnels during the peak of construction.

The spokesman said: "Places will initially be allocated to people working on Crossrail sites. The commercial viability of the academy is important therefore Crossrail will seek sponsorships from industry and academia.

"We aim to create opportunities for local people to work on Crossrail and receive training at the academy. Contractors winning work with Crossrail will recruit and employ local people along the construction route. It is likely many of these people will attend training at the Tunnelling Academy.

"It is expected that the industry will use the Tunnelling Academy to train and develop workers for a wide variety of tunnelling projects.

"Crossrail will establish the Tunnelling Academy as an independent facility with the ability to be self-supportive in terms of finance and governance.

"This will not only leave a legacy for the industry, but importantly will continue to provide a specialist-learning centre able to offer formal qualifications. Crossrail will continue to engage with universities as part of the Tunnel Academy operating model, and hopes to offer both research and Masters study opportunities."

Commenting on the Academy's lasting legacy London Assembly Member John Biggs said: "As long as people are mobile and motivated their work will be needed elsewhere. Once we build Crossrail we need to start building the Crossrail after that."

Classroom based courses are expected to begin in late spring next year.