It used to be every boy’s ambition to be a train driver. The job’s not without its problems today, but at least anyone who harbours such aspirations can NVQ it. Last month 11 train drivers were awarded the first National Vocational Qualifications in rail transportation.
Developed jointly by City and Guilds and the Rail Industry Training Council, they are the first in a portfolio of qualifications to cover signalling, passenger services and shunting. Traffic control, engineering, overhead line and telecommunication maintenance and customer service will follow. NVQs will eventually be available to all 900 rail and underground drivers.
