The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is exploring partnership opportunities with the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) aiming to enhance skills, training, and equipment provision for the railway’s mechanical operations, including an enhanced apprenticeship program.

This week, senior representatives from both organisations met at NYMR’s Motive Power Depot (MPD) in Grosmont to identify opportunities for collaboration, particularly in training and potential equipment donations from the organisation's membership to support the NYMR’s ongoing efforts in preservation and engineering.

The ECITB is a government backed body that supports training and skills development in engineering and construction, and works closely with organisations and members to fund various training initiatives.

Yvonne Day, Head of People at the NYMR, said, “Having worked with the ECITB for nearly three decades in previous roles, I know firsthand the incredible impact that they can have on developing engineering skills. We’re looking forward to exploring how this collaboration can benefit the NYMR’s team and help us to continue our work in preserving our rich railway heritage.”

Alan Neale, Regional Operations Manager (North) at the ECITB, added, “We’re really excited to look at how we can build this relationship and links between the NYMR and the companies we work with in the industry. From there we can support all the amazing things that the railway is doing by using our connections in engineering and construction.”

Mark Rae, North-East Relationship Manager at the ECITB, said, “The NYMR really is a hidden gem, and we will endeavour to inform our engineering construction industry companies about the work carried out here. It would be ideal if some of our companies could visit to see it first-hand and possibly support the aims and objectives of the railway. From now we’ll be facilitating links to encourage this happen, and that’s a really exciting step.”

This partnership aligns with NYMR’s broader strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of the railway and its mechanical operations through collaboration and innovation.

For more information visit www.nymr.co.uk