As part of the cooperation agreement, Carillion Rail has set up new training facilities in Crewe with SPL.
Carillion Rail is a tier 1 supplier on a framework panel bidding for a share of Network Rail’s £2bn electrification programme. SPL Powerlines' team of experienced UK linemen will work alongside Carillion’s own employees, creating a joint workforce of around 1,000.
It has been estimated that, by 2016, the sector will need more than 2,000 skilled linemen, which is 10 times the current capacity.
Carillion Rail has developed a purpose-built indoor OHL training operation at its centre in Gresty Road, Crewe, which operates alongside its existing facilities in Milton Keynes and Glasgow. SPL Powerlines UK Ltd has training facilities in Doncaster and Glasgow.
Carillion Rail managing director Mark Davies said: "This is an exciting time for Carillion Rail and we are delighted to be in partnership with SPL Powerlines. The scale of Network Rail's electrification expansion is transformational.
"We have already secured early enabling work on the high profile Glasgow to Edinburgh Improvement Programme and our agreement with SPL Powerlines strengthens further our leading role in this market.
"SPL Powerlines is an established niche player for OHL work and has a track record second to none across central and Northern Europe. It is an ideal partnership for us."
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