Scotland’s Railway Rail Skills Academy, a partnership between the two organisations, will deliver its first course inside a Scottish prison from September. Participants will complete four weeks of training inside HMP Kilmarnock, with the full programme, including work experience, finished within ten weeks of release. Graduates will leave with hands-on track experience and a recognised qualification.

Contractors who sign up will be invited to an information event inside HMP Kilmarnock to meet prospective candidates before the programme begins, and to offer employment to those who complete it. Rail firms looking to take on trained, job-ready workers are asked to contact QTS Training now.

The practical element uses real infrastructure. Track lifted from Network Rail’s upcoming works at Kilmarnock station will be re-laid within the prison grounds, giving participants direct, hands-on experience before they re-enter the workforce.

Lorna Gibson, training director at QTS Training, said: “We want contractors across the west of Scotland to get behind this. QTS Training and Network Rail are delivering the programme, what we need from industry is a commitment to consider these graduates for employment.

“There is strong evidence that employment-focused rehabilitation helps former individuals in custody to build lasting careers. Many of these people simply need someone to give them a chance. This programme is designed to make that as straightforward as possible for employers.”

Sameena Yousaf, head of resourcing, Network Rail Scotland said: “This programme is about creating real opportunities for people to build a positive future while also helping address skills needs across the railway.

“By working in partnership with QTS Training and Reconnect Scotland CIC, we’re supporting individuals as they transition back into the community with meaningful skills, experience and a clear pathway into employment.

“It’s a powerful example of how collaboration can open up opportunities, strengthen our workforce, and make a lasting difference to people’s lives.”

Participants are being selected with support from Reconnect Scotland CIC, which works with people in custody before and after release and is also funding the programme.

Lorna Dalziel, director, Reconnect Scotland CIC commented: “We know that successful rehabilitation is built through strong partnerships, and this programme is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when HMP Kilmarnock, QTS Training, Network Rail and Reconnect Scotland CIC work together towards a common goal.

“Employment provides far more than a wage, it brings confidence, purpose and stability. The opportunity to gain meaningful employment has the potential to transform lives, strengthen family relationships and create brighter futures for generations to come, and we are incredibly proud to be part of making that happen.”

The Governor of HMP Kilmarnock added: “We welcome this partnership with QTS Training and Network Rail, which offers valuable training to people in our care and the prospect of employment upon release.

“These kinds of opportunities are hugely important in helping people towards better futures, for them and their families, reducing their risk of reoffending, and helping to build safer communities for all.”

Scotland’s Railway Rail Skills Academy launched in 2022 and has achieved a 95% success rate, with the majority of graduates leaving with full-time employment. Working with small cohorts of around 12 people, the programme provides focused individual support.

Its partnership with Network Rail Scotland, formalised earlier this year, led to the current name, reflecting its growth from an in-house QTS scheme into a collaborative industry programme.

Rail contractors interested in taking part should contact QTS Training at qtstraining@qtsgroup.com.