Advanced approaches and practices for rail training and education to innovate Rail study programmes and Improve rail higher education provision

Abstract

The railway industry is transnational and one of the fastest growing industries in the world, necessitating a skilled workforce able to: master new technologies, ensure and facilitate the effective implementation of innovative practices and handle rail system complexity with ease in the era of digitatlisation. To build and retain such a workforce that responds adequately to new technological developments, innovative practices, and the intricacies of local markets, creation, promotion and application of in-depth knowledge need to be promoted and ensured through multi-national / cultural / sectorial joint ventures to establish a contact, promote innovation, facilitate implementation and ensure the fullest open exchange of good / best practice at all management levels: operational, tactical and strategic. The main objective of this paper is to introduce a rail education focussed strategic partnership established with the purpose of working towards innovation in rail higher education. Specific outputs of this strategic partnership include the development of a portfolio (toolkit) of innovative methods, approaches and professional practices for rail skills development, and an educational standard for rail higher education provision in Europe. Through the activities of the strategic partnership current gaps and mismatches between industry requirements as well as expectations and the current higher education provision for rail knowledge and skills development will be tackled and addressed.