About us
Our history
NTAR is a trading name of Siemens Mobility Limited.
Further information regarding Siemens Mobility Limited is available at: www.siemens.com/mobility.
The idea of a national training academy for rail came from the recognition that a significant skills gap existed in the rail industry just as the transition to the ‘Digital Railway’ gathered speed. In fact, the shortage was a predicted 8,000 people over a ten year period. So a collaboration between the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR), the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, along with the Department for Transport, and Siemens Mobility, conceived an idea to create a training academy that would ‘mind the gap’ and create a highly-skilled workforce for the future.
In 2015, NTAR opened its doors to its first intake of students. We are structured to ensure that our delivery and operation provide the highest quality training and a positive experience.
Since then, more than 21,000 delegates have attended our multi-million pound training facility in Northampton to upskill, learn, and retrain on our many practical, skills development and educational programmes. We pride ourselves on providing trainees with the skills to ensure they have the competency to do their job and an experience that makes them eager to return.
Welcome from Joanna Binstead.
NTAR is a unique environment where everyone who trains or tutors is part of the operational business. We believe in providing our trainees and learners with a positive experience and delivering the highest quality education from rail industry experts who have years of proven practical experience. For us, NTAR is a place to inspire and skill, so the people who attend our programmes leave feeling highly accomplished.
When you operate in a safety-critical industry like rail, you need to be confident that experts have trained your experts and they have the level of competency required for your work to be conducted safely and skilfully. If you are an armed forces leaver you need to be sure that as you transition to your second career, your transferable skills will be applied to new learning as you retrain for the rail industry. Or, if you’re supporting a young person through an apprenticeship as they start their career, you need to be convinced that they will be equipped with the specialist training that will contribute to your business. I’m here to assure you that this is what NTAR delivers daily.
Introducing Kieran Leese-Terry
Kieran started with NTAR as an intern and continues to deliver for our customers across the rail industry. Having started full-time with NTAR in 2022, Kieran is the first point of contact for employers seeking to upskill or cross-skill employees. Working closely with those looking to leave the Armed forces and individuals seeking to enhance their current skillset to explore the rail industry. Kieran continues to build upon his knowledge as well as his experience and can assist with any further information. For training courses and apprenticeships delivered at NTAR contact him through the NTAR website and info@NTAR.co.uk
Our people
We are structured to ensure that our delivery and operation provide the highest quality training and a positive experience.
Trainers, Tutors and Assessors: skilled rail experts with a wealth of industry knowledge that underpins every course they deliver. They have a combined ambition to upskill and cross-skill trainees and apprentices to make sure we have the future workforce required to meet the technical competence demanded by our rail network.
Apprentice Account Management: responsible for apprentices at NTAR. They conduct regular reviews, make sure the apprentices keep up with the schedule and deliver the highest standard of pastoral care to ensure that the general well-being of each apprentice is taken care of.
Business Development and Governance: oversee initiatives and activities at NTAR and ensure our trainers have the proper certification to achieve the standard we are known for delivering.
Administration and Facilities: the backbone of NTAR. They play a central role in the smooth running of the academy, making certain that every activity is conducted safely and within health and safety guidelines.
Our Facility
NTAR is a £7-million-pound investment in the future of the rail industry. Its heart is the training workshop which offers the opportunity to learn new skills using actual equipment and electrical systems used throughout the UK’s rolling stock and rail infrastructure. From full-sized train and tram driver cabs to electric doors, brake systems, and signal box technology, the workshop is a central hub that provides vital practical experience.
Equally, our collaboration with Network Rail to invest in a telecommunications room offers trainees the practical training and learned skills required to meet the demands of 21st century rail travel.
To supplement the practical, we have also invested in the virtual: virtual reality technology, an immersive room that creates 360° content of real-life scenarios, and simulation devices all provide an immersive and interactive experience. These areas have been designed to offer an exciting alternative to hands-on training so trainees can test their knowledge and skills and experience a different way of learning to typical classroom tuition.
