Crossrail takes possession of academy

Crossrail officially took possession of the new Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy on Monday, said Terry Morgan, chairman of Crossrail. Speaking yesterday at Underground Construction 2011 in the Earls Court conference centre, Morgan said that the GBP 50M (USD 80.1M) investment was a statement of Crossrail’s legacy to the British tunnelling industry.

“Every GBP 3M (USD 4.8M) in contracted work will result in an output from the contractor, for example an apprentice position,” said Morgan.

A spokesperson for the academy later told T&T, “The key here is that it is industry and demand-led. It will suit the changing needs and requirements of the industry. We should see the first courses starting in September.”

BTS chairman Bob Ibell said, “It is sadly the case that training and apprenticeships have been neglected for too long, the academy is one of a number of measures set to correct this.”

The Crossrail academy was built at Aldersbrook Sidings on the border of Newham and Redbridge in Greater London, UK.