Press release -
150 new jobs created in Bristol area by Hitachi Rail Europe
- Newly built train depot recruiting for 150 new roles
- Stoke Gifford depot will house the new fleet of InterCity Express Trains running on the Great Western main line
- Hitachi aims to attract new skills and talent to rail industry by building on local engineering heritage
London, 6th February 2017 – Hitachi Rail Europe (HRE), the company building and maintaining the new InterCity Express Trains to run on the Great Western route, is recruiting for 150 new roles at their Stoke Gifford depot.
The recently built depot is hiring ahead of a new ‘bullet train inspired’ fleet entering service later this year.
HRE will build upon the area’s engineering legacy, which includes transportation achievements such as Concorde, to develop a new long-term hub for skilled work.
Modern trains creating jobs
The newly built £80m facility is located near to Bristol Parkway station and offers a clean, light and modern environment to work in.
Recruitment for the 150 jobs is to ensure the facility is ready ahead of the new trains, which will connect London to Wales and the South West of England, entering service later this year.
Work carried out at the Stoke Gifford depot will include readying trains for passenger services. Whilst housed at the depot, trains will be serviced to ensure they are in good condition, safe and clean. Day to day tasks will include engine tests, changing wheel sets and running thorough inspections of the trains.
The new trains offer a step change in passenger experience with more seats available and modern technology.
The first wave of the new trains to be introduced on passenger services is being built at HRE’s UK train manufacturing facility at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
Creating a diverse workforce
The new roles are permanent and require people with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. As part of bringing new skills and talents into the industry, steps are being taken to attract people who have not previously worked in rail. HRE is looking to recruit from a variety of sectors such as aviation, automotive, and the military, as well as those groups often underrepresented in rail such as women and young people. HRE’s Managing Director, Karen Boswell MD, has been a leading figure in the rail industry calling for greater diversity.
HRE will provide extensive training to ensure new employees meet the high standards long associated with the Hitachi brand.
Inspiring a new generation
HRE’s contract to maintain trains at Stoke Gifford for the next 27 ½ years has ensured the creation of sustainable jobs in the area. The ambition to make the site a long-term centre of excellence has placed an importance on educating the next generation about the merits of working in rail.
Links are being forged with local schools and colleges where HRE will demonstrate the wide-range of opportunities available in rail industry as well as promoting participation in STEM subjects.
Stoke Gifford will recruit four new apprentices ever year once the site is fully operational.
Rail Minister Paul Maynard MP said:
“This is great news as it shows how our long-term investment in the modernisation of the rail network is creating new skills and new jobs. More people than ever before are using trains and this government remains committed to providing a modern, state-of-the-art fleet supporting the network our country needs for the future.”
Gary Martin, Stoke Gifford Depot Manager said:
“The Stoke Gifford depot will soon become a source of great local pride where new trains carrying millions of passengers will be serviced to the highest of standards.
“Our newly built facility is a clean and modern environment which will break all traditional stereotypes of a train depot. To house 21st century trains Hitachi Rail Europe has designed a truly forward looking facility offering exciting opportunities for local people.
“As well as building new trains and depots, we are also investing in a new generation of rail workers. We want the widest range of talents and skills as we gear up towards the new trains coming into service later this year.”
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How to apply:
Applications should be made via our careers website; http://www.hitachirail-eu.com/careers. There is also a dedicated Facebook page (Hitachi Rail Bristol - recruitment) where vacancies will be regularly posted along with information about assessment centre dates. If you would like to speak to someone at HRE regarding roles please email HRTeamGWML@hitachirail-eu.com. Tours of the facility will be offered when possible.
