More than 3300 people have been started on the path to sustainable employment in rail, construction and civils this year by a leading West Midlands training provider.
NIS Group, which was founded by former Royal Marine Davie Carns in 2018, is on course for its best-ever 12 months after accelerating the roll-out of its Transport, Rail and Infrastructure Academy (TRIA) network in the region – a partnership with City of Wolverhampton College and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Over £1m has been invested into launching two new dedicated facilities in Aston and Coventry, supplementing existing hubs at the City of Wolverhampton College’s Bilston Campus and at BCIMO in Dudley.
It means the company can now offer 100 different courses in multiple locations across the West Midlands, all with dedicated industrial facilities and equipment to help learners become even more work ready or to upskill to enhance long-term prospects.
Crucially, 83% of the people NIS Group has assisted have progressed into full-time sustainable employment – a major increase on the national sector average.
Davie Carns, Group Managing Director, commented: “We announced the launch of TRIA in February this year and, in just ten months, have taken what was an exciting vision and turned it into a reality.
“Importantly, the network of dedicated training centres has been supported by industry and subsequently are kitted out with specialist rail, construction and civils equipment. The backing from multiple UK-wide employers supporting our programmes has given us the platform to empower 3330 individuals to seek sustainable employment through training and education.”
He continued: “These are real people with real stories, often overcoming difficult challenges in life whether that is long-term unemployment, physical disability, mental health issues or returning to society after service in the Armed Forces.
“We are making a difference to thousands of people and this number will only increase as we grow our TRIA network even further in the coming months.”
NIS Group has combined investment in the best trainers with the best facilities, equipping its four dedicated facilities with specialist capabilities, including a Signalling Academy and special slab tracks for high-speed rail. This is in addition to purpose-built areas for training on machines and heavy plant.
Davie added: “We have come a long way in 2024 and that has been down to the commitment of our 70-strong team, who have worked tirelessly to build futures together for the people we support.
“The next twelve months is shaping up to be another exciting period for the business as we plan for the official openings of Aston and Coventry, as well as our direct work with colleges and employers.”
Deborah’s story…
Deborah is switching the nail file for the power tools after taking part in the Gateway to Construction course at the new TRIA site in Coventry.
Having previously worked in the beauty industry, the former Rugby-based beautician now has her eyes fixed on a new career in construction.
“Before this course I was a nail technician, and I did spray tanning, piercings… I have a few certificates under my belt!
“Sadly, I got carpal tunnel, and I had to have an operation, and, at that point, I took the decision to go into construction, as it was what I wanted to do when I was younger but never had the chance.
“I was interested in engineering and working on the rail, which led me to a careers day for women and applying for a few jobs. Unfortunately, I needed more qualifications and experience, so jumped for joy when the NIS Group course came up!
“I have dyslexia, and this made me struggle a little bit on my first few days because I was anxious to write in the exams. But my tutors have been really accommodating and given me additional time to read and finish my exams. I have benefited so much from the team and learnt a lot from them.
“It has been so enjoyable, particularly around health and safety which is incredibly important in construction. This industry is all about team effort and is not something that you can do by yourself, you always need someone to watch your back, and you watch their back in return, so everybody is alive and safe.
“I have been doing great, I have passed all of my tests, and I feel so proud of myself.”
For further information, please visit www.nisgroup.co.uk or follow the company across its social channels.
More learner stories…
Jean Anale
Since arriving from Central Africa over 20 years ago, Birmingham-based Jean had found himself working largely in labouring roles without much sense of direction.
After a recommendation from a friend, he found himself on the Gateway to Rail course at City of Wolverhampton College.
“I came to the UK in 2001 from Congo unable to speak English and began my journey by joining language and then electrical courses.
“Back home and then over here I found myself working in construction, so any hands-on job feels quite familiar to me.
“This course weas recommended to me by a friend who is also from Congo – he’s now on the rail earning good money and enjoying himself.
“Hearing his successful journey motivated me to trust NIS Group. Education is such a big investment in my life, and I can see improvement already.
“The personal development each individual receives is really special. I would recommend to anybody to give this course a go – it’s a fantastic experience and has a lot to offer for someone looking to get their career started.”
Kelly Eccleston
Kelly Eccleston has chosen to swap the construction site for a potential career in rail in the bid for more career progression.
The Willenhall plasterer, who embarked on the Gateway to Rail Course at NIS Group’s TRIA facility at the City of Wolverhampton College, said: “Progression in a job is key for me. I had climbed as far as I could and wanted to move into another sector that offered different opportunities.
“It has been a superb course and being back in this type of environment has made me realise that a career on the tracks is what I’m after.
“Being the only female in the class has been great! All the guys have been supportive, and we have a good laugh together, whilst my tutor Keith is passing on so much knowledge about the industry that I’ll soon be able to use in my day-to-day role.”
Kaine Singh
Kaine Singh has also made the switch in sectors, driven by his desire to support his little boy and make him proud.
The former Coventry manufacturer is benefiting from the Gateway to Employment course and has his sights firmly set on a career in construction.
“I have always believed if you don’t challenge yourself, you will never know if there is an opportunity for something bigger and better.
“My parents are both ambitious, hard workers so it must be where I get it from. I want to do well for my family, especially my little boy who is my main motivation.”
He concluded: “I have been getting 100% on my assessments, which is really rewarding. Not every training provider gives you what NIS Group gives you and this is by far the best course I have done.
“Long-term I would love to emulate my tutor Julian, who has been a massive inspiration to me. To get to the stage where you can share your experiences to make other people’s lives better is where I eventually want to be.”