Signalling training specialist BK3 Training has recently expanded its team, attracting well-known names to the organisation. Managing director Sanj Bansal recently appointed Mick Walsh as director of operations and Victor Heath as director of signalling resource, along with Robert Hill as director of training – international projects, and Adele Magdij to ensure compliance. The team spoke to RailStaff about the company’s mission to super-charge training in association with industry leaders.
Founded in 2002, BK3 Training Limited provides training to the UK’s major rail companies. It specialises in establishing teams of well trained, mentored and proficient signalling staff, covering most grades, for installation, testing, maintenance and fault finding. The firm’s courses are RISQS-accredited and approved by both Network Rail and Transport for London.
Its plan is to build a team of signalling engineers to take the country’s railways safely into the next generation, and it aims to address a pressing problem.
“The rail industry doesn’t have enough trained people, especially in faulting and maintenance.” says Victor. “This is partly due to the older generation leaving the industry but also because the primary focus for training in recent years has been installation.
“Contractors have previously filled this skills gap, but contracting is not the lucrative proposition it once was. Budgetary constraints mean that contractors can be let go at short notice and, in the past 18 months, many have had to look for work elsewhere. Covid also hasn’t helped. A lot of workers were spooked out of the industry which relies on close personal interaction and travelling to projects across the UK.”
“However, we’re now in a position to rebuild that strength and help train the next generation of engineers.”
A bold plan
To do that, BK3 Training is working with clients to develop a new bootcamp and training course which will provide the network with the skills it needs to maintain and improve its services.
“We’re building a training program which, including mentorship from ourselves, will run over a five-year period,” says Mick.
“The training course will start with the basics and provide trainees with everything they need to know. Years 1-3 will cover the technical training and Years 4-5 will be focused on becoming Institute of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) licensed. The licensing and assessing side of the business is now being run by Gordon Bruce.”
“We’re aiming the bootcamp at as many people as possible, including those with no experience of rail, those already in the industry, and ex-military or services personnel. We’re also looking at recruiting from ex-offender programs.
Located in Wolverhampton, BK3 training is currently in discussions with clients to offer its training across the country at various facilities where available, which will save clients money in terms of travel and accommodation costs.
Additionally, it helps BK3 to tailor its training for the specific regions in which work will take place.
“Depending on where you’re based in the country, the signalling equipment can be completely different,” says Victor. “Our clients are excited by the idea of the bootcamp and the fact we can tailor it to specific areas and equipment. That opens up many opportunities with regard to recruiting and retraining local staff.”
Shared values
One of BK3 Training’s key strengths is the cohesion of its team and the common values it holds. Colleagues have each other’s backs and all work to the same guiding principles.
“I know I can rely on my team”, says Victor. “Between us we have the experience, knowledge, and skills to train the best workforce out there and we’re all aligned on a personal level – we want to make a difference.”
That dedication is exemplified by the company’s approach to training. It cuts no corners, giving trainees the most in-depth technical grounding on offer, and ensures they fully understand the nature of working on the rails before they’re sent out on their first assignment.
“Theoretically, it is possible to train someone and have them out working within six to eight weeks, but we’re in agreement that it’s not the best way to do it,” Victor says.
“However, we prefer to ensure that trainees have experience out on track, because it gives them a much better idea of what the role actually involves. Working on the rails, where trains can go by at 100mph just four feet away, is a world apart from learning at a training centre.
Although recent years have seen an increased focus on safety, and working on open lines is typically avoided, that’s not always the case for faulting and maintenance teams.
“If there’s a fault on a major junction in the middle of the day, the likelihood is that you’ll be out working while trains are running,” says Victor.
And BK3 Training isn’t just in it for the money, both Mick and Victor are keen to emphasise. Its aim is to pass on knowledge and help people get into work in a safe and achievable way. It’s about moving people along their career path and offering the best support possible.
“We’re not going to place anyone on a course unless we are confident there will be employment and future career opportunities at the end of it,” says Mick. “We have strong relationships within the industry, and we’ll be using those to guide our trainees into work.”
The future of training
BK3 Training’s new initiative is already piquing interest within the industry, and suppliers are getting in touch to include their equipment as part of the course. That’s because the course has struck a chord. It’s solving a problem and meeting industry demand.
“We’re listening to what the industry needs and what it wants, says Mick. “It feels like we’re giving the industry a positive training standard.”
Filling in this particular skills gap won’t not happen overnight, but BK3 Training is offering a long-term, sustainable solution, and in a year’s time, the company aims to be the one everybody wants to join.
“When BK3 was established it was about building a legacy, giving back to the industry, and trying to ensure everyone enjoyed the courses we conducted,” says Managing Director Sanj Bansal.
“We understand that the future journey will be a challenge but that is what keeps us motivated and we stand by our core values. With our new team we are able to offer the best possible service.
“Our motto since day one has been ‘Our obligation is to keep the public safe… Let’s do it together!’
“This belief is stronger than ever.”
Lead image credit: iStockphoto.com
